Vol. 80 Wednesday, 

No. 47 March 11, 2015 

Part III 

Department of Energy 

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430 

Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test Procedures for 

Residential Furnaces and Boilers; Proposed Rule 


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12876 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules 

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430 

[Docket No. EERE–2012–BT–TP–0024] 

RIN 1904–AC79 

Energy Conservation Program for 

Consumer Products: Test Procedures 

for Residential Furnaces and Boilers 

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and 

Renewable Energy, Department of 

Energy. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

and announcement of public meeting. 

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of 

Energy (DOE) proposes to revise its test 

procedure for residential furnaces and 

boilers established under the Energy 

Policy and Conservation Act. This 

rulemaking will fulfill DOE’s obligation 

to review its test procedures for covered 

products at least once every seven years. 

The proposed rule generally considers 

revisions based on the latest industry 

standards incorporated by reference, 

clarifications to the set-up and 

methodology, as well as new procedures 

for verification of the design 

requirements for certain categories of 

boilers and for estimating electrical 

consumption of furnaces and boilers. 

DOE is also announcing a public 

meeting to discuss and receive 

comments on issues presented in this 

test procedure rulemaking. 

DATES: Meeting: DOE will hold a public 

meeting on Thursday March 26, 2015 

from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., in Washington, 

DC. The meeting will also be broadcast 

as a webinar. See section V, ‘‘Public 

Participation,’’ for webinar registration 

information, participant instructions, 

and information about the capabilities 

available to webinar participants. 

Comments: DOE will accept 

comments, data, and information 

regarding this notice of proposed 

rulemaking (NOPR) before and after the 

public meeting, but no later than May 

26, 2015. See section V, ‘‘Public 

Participation,’’ for details. 

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be 

held at the U.S. Department of Energy, 

Forrestal Building, Room 8E–089, 1000 

Independence Avenue SW., 

Washington, DC 20585. To attend, 

please notify Ms. Brenda Edwards at 

(202) 586–2945. Persons may also attend 

the public meeting via webinar. For 

more information, refer to section V, 

‘‘Public Participation,’’ section near the 

end of this notice. 

Interested parties are encouraged to 

submit comments using the Federal 

eRulemaking Portal at 

www.regulations.gov. Alternatively, 

interested parties may submit 

comments, by any of the following 

methods: 

• Email: 

ResFurnBoilers2013TP0008@ee.doe.gov 

Include the docket number EERE–2012– 

BT–TP–0024 and/or RIN 1904–AC79 in 

the subject line of the message. Submit 

electronic comments in WordPerfect, 

Microsoft Word, PDF, or ASCII file 

format, and avoid the use of special 

characters or any form of encryption. 

• Postal Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, 

U.S. Department of Energy, Building 

Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–5B, 

1000 Independence Avenue SW., 

Washington, DC, 20585–0121. If 

possible, please submit all items on a 

compact disc (CD), in which case it is 

not necessary to include printed copies. 

• Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda 

Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, 

Building Technologies Office, 950 

L’Enfant Plaza, SW., Suite 600, 

Washington, DC, 20024. Telephone: 

(202) 586–2945. If possible, please 

submit all items on a CD, in which case 

it is not necessary to include printed 

copies. 

No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be 

accepted. For detailed instructions on 

submitting comments and additional 

information on the rulemaking process, 

see section V of this document (Public 

Participation). 

Docket: The docket is available for 

review at www.regulations.gov, 

including Federal Register notices, 

public meeting attendee lists and 

transcripts, comments, and other 

supporting documents/materials. All 

documents in the docket are listed in 

the www.regulations.gov index. 

However, not all documents listed in 

the index may be publicly available, 

such as information that is exempt from 

public disclosure. 

A link to the docket Web page can be 

found at: http://www.regulations.gov/ 

#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2012-BT-TP0024. This Web page contains a link to 

the docket for this notice of proposed 

rulemaking on the www.regulations.gov 

site. The www.regulations.gov Web page 

contains simple instructions on how to 

access all documents, including public 

comments, in the docket. See section V, 

‘‘Public Participation,’’ for information 

on how to submit comments through 

www.regulations.gov. 

For further information on how to 

submit a comment, review other public 

comments and the docket, or participate 

in the public meeting, contact Ms. 

Brenda Edwards at (202) 586–2945 or by 

email: Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. 

Ashley Armstrong, U.S. Department of 

Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and 

Renewable Energy, Building 

Technologies Office, EE–5B, 1000 

Independence Avenue SW., 

Washington, DC, 20585–0121. 

Telephone: (202) 586–6590. Email: 

Ashley.Armstrong@ee.doe.gov. 

Mr. Eric Stas, U.S. Department of 

Energy, Office of the General Counsel, 

GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue 

SW., Washington, DC, 20585–0121. 

Telephone: (202) 586–9507. Email: 

Eric.Stas@hq.doe.gov. 

For information on how to submit or 

review public comments, contact Ms. 

Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of 

Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and 

Renewable Energy, Building 

Technologies Office, EE–5B, 1000 

Independence Avenue SW., 

Washington, DC 20585–0121. 

Telephone: (202) 586–2945. Email: 

Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

DOE intends to incorporate by 

reference the following industry 

standards into 10 CFR part 430: ASTM– 

D2156—09 (Reapproved 2013). 

Copies of ASTM–D2156—09 can be 

obtained from the American Society of 

Testing and Materials (ASTM) at ASTM 

Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, 

P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 

19428–2959, (877) 909–2786 or (610) 

832–9585, or go to http://www.astm.org. 

Table of Contents 

I. Authority and Background 

II. Summary of the Notice of Proposed 

Rulemaking 

III. Discussion 

A. Products Covered by the Proposed Rule 

B. Effective Date and Compliance Date for 

the Amended Test Procedure 

C. Proposed Test Procedure Amendments 

1. Updating ASHRAE Standard 103 From 

the 1993 Version to the 2007 Version 

2. Measurement of Condensate Under 

Steady-State Conditions 

3. Electrical Consumption of Components 

4. Installation and Operation Manual 

Reference 

5. Verification Test for Automatic Means 

for Adjusting the Water Temperature in 

Boilers 

6. Off-Cycle and Power Burner Draft 

Factors 

7. AFUE Reporting Precision 

8. Duct Work for Units That Are Installed 

Without a Return Duct 

9. Testing Requirements for Multiposition 

Configurations 

D. Tolerances on Test Conditions and 

Measurements 

E. Other Test Procedure Considerations 

1. Electrical Consumption for Modulating 

Products 

2. Jacket Loss and Jacket Loss Factors 

3. Use of Default Seasonal Factors To 

Replace ‘‘Heat-Up’’ and ‘‘Cool-Down’’ 

Tests 


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1For editorial reasons, upon codification in the 

U.S. Code, Part B was redesignated Part A. 

2All references to EPCA in this document refer 

to the statute as amended through the American 

Energy Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act 

(AEMTCA), Public Law 112–210 (Dec. 18, 2012). 

4. Calculation Simplification for Burner 

Cycling and Draft Losses 

5. Room Ambient Air Temperature and 

Humidity Ranges 

6. Oversize Factor 

7. Boiler Supply and Return Water 

Temperatures 

8. Burner Operating Hours Determination 

9. Aligning Vent Stack Configuration With 

ANSI Standards 

10. Harmonization of External Static 

Pressure Requirements 

11. Alternative Methods for Furnace/Boiler 

Efficiency Determination 

12. Test Procedure Scope 

13. Standby Mode and Off Mode 

14. Full-Fuel-Cycle Energy Metrics 

15. Test Burden 

16. Changes in Measured Energy Use 

IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review 

A. Review Under Executive Order 12866 

B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility 

Act 

C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction 

Act of 1995 

D. Review Under the National 

Environmental Policy Act of 1969 

E. Review Under Executive Order 13132 

F. Review Under Executive Order 12988 

G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates 

Reform Act of 1995 

H. Review Under the Treasury and General 

Government Appropriations Act, 1999 

I. Review Under Executive Order 12630 

J. Review Under Treasury and General 

Government Appropriations Act, 2001 

K. Review Under Executive Order 13211 

L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal 

Energy Administration Act of 1974 

M. Description of Materials Incorporated 

by Reference 

V. Public Participation 

A. Attendance at the Public Meeting 

B. Procedure for Submitting Requests To 

Speak and Prepared General Statements 

for Distribution 

C. Conduct of the Public Meeting 

D. Submission of Comments 

E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment 

VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary 

I. Authority and Background 

Title III, Part B1 of the Energy Policy 

and Conservation Act of 1975 (‘‘EPCA’’ 

or ‘‘the Act’’), Public Law 94–163 (42 

U.S.C. 6291–6309, as codified) sets forth 

a variety of provisions designed to 

improve energy efficiency and 

established the Energy Conservation 

Program for Consumer Products Other 

Than Automobiles.2 These products 

include residential furnaces and boilers, 

the subject of this notice. (42 U.S.C. 

6292(a)(5)) 

Under EPCA, the energy conservation 

program generally consists of four parts: 

(1) Testing; (2) labeling; (3) Federal 

energy conservation standards; and 

(4) certification and enforcement 

procedures. The testing requirements 

consist of test procedures that 

manufacturers of covered products must 

use as the basis for: (1) Certifying to 

DOE that their products comply with 

the applicable energy conservation 

standards adopted pursuant to EPCA, 

and (2) making other representations 

about the efficiency of those products. 

(42 U.S.C. 6293(c); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s)) 

Similarly, DOE must use these test 

procedures to determine whether the 

products comply with any relevant 

standards promulgated under EPCA. (42 

U.S.C. 6295(s)) 

Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth 

the criteria and procedures that DOE 

must follow when prescribing or 

amending test procedures for covered 

products. EPCA provides, in relevant 

part, that any test procedures prescribed 

or amended under this section shall be 

reasonably designed to produce test 

results which measure energy 

efficiency, energy use, or estimated 

annual operating cost of a covered 

product during a representative average 

use cycle or period of use, and shall not 

be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 

U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) 

In addition, if DOE determines that a 

test procedure amendment is warranted, 

it must publish proposed test 

procedures and offer the public an 

opportunity to present oral and written 

comments on them. (42 U.S.C. 

6293(b)(2)) Finally, in any rulemaking to 

amend a test procedure, DOE must 

determine to what extent, if any, the 

proposed test procedure would alter the 

product’s measured energy efficiency as 

determined under the existing test 

procedure. (42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(1)) 

Further, the Energy Independence and 

Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007), Public 

Law 110–140, amended EPCA to require 

that at least once every 7 years, DOE 

must review test procedures for all 

covered products and either amend the 

test procedures (if the Secretary 

determines that amended test 

procedures would more accurately or 

fully comply with the requirements of 

42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) or publish a notice 

in the Federal Register of any 

determination not to amend a test 

procedure. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) 

Under this requirement, DOE must 

review the test procedure for residential 

furnaces and boilers not later than 

December 19, 2014 (i.e., 7 years after the 

publication of EISA 2007 on December 

19, 2007). The final rule resulting from 

this rulemaking will satisfy this 

requirement. 

DOE’s current energy conservation 

standards for residential furnaces and 

boilers are expressed as a minimum 

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency 

(AFUE). AFUE is an annualized fuel 

efficiency metric that accounts for fuel 

consumption in active, standby, and off 

modes. The following discussion 

provides a brief history of the 

rulemakings underlying the existing test 

procedure for residential furnaces and 

boilers. 

The existing DOE test procedure for 

determining the AFUE of residential 

furnaces and boilers is located at 10 CFR 

part 430, subpart B, appendix N, 

Uniform Test Method for Measuring the 

Energy Consumption of Furnaces and 

Boilers. The existing DOE test procedure 

for residential furnaces and boilers was 

established by a final rule published in 

the Federal Register on May 12, 1997, 

and it incorporates by reference 

ASHRAE Standard 103–1993, Method of 

Testing for Annual Fuel Utilization 

Efficiency of Residential Central 

Furnaces and Boilers. 62 FR 26140, 

26157 (incorporated by reference at 10 

CFR 430.3(f)(10)). On October 14, 1997 

DOE published an interim final rule in 

the Federal Register to revise a 

provision concerning the insulation of 

the flue collector box in order to ensure 

the updated test procedure would not 

affect the measured AFUE of existing 

furnaces and boilers. 62 FR 53508. This 

interim final rule was adopted without 

change in a final rule published in the 

Federal Register on February 24, 1998. 

63 FR 9390. 

On October 20, 2010 DOE amended 

its test procedure for furnaces and 

boilers to establish a method for 

measuring the electrical energy use in 

standby mode and off mode for gasfired and oil-fired furnaces and boilers, 

as required by EISA 2007. 75 FR 64621. 

These test procedure amendments 

incorporated by reference, and were 

based primarily on, provisions of the 

International Electrotechnical 

Commission (IEC) Standard 62301 (First 

Edition), Household electrical 

appliances—Measurement of standby 

power. On December 31, 2012 DOE 

published a final rule in the Federal 

Register that updated the incorporation 

by reference of the standby mode and 

off mode test procedure provisions to 

refer to the latest edition of IEC 

Standard 62301 (Second Edition). 77 FR 

76831. On July 10, 2013, DOE published 

a final rule in the Federal Register that 

amended its test procedure for 

residential furnaces and boilers by 

adopting needed equations that allow 

manufacturers the option to omit the 

heat-up and cool-down tests and still 

generate a valid AFUE measurement. 78 

FR 41265. On August 30, 2013, DOE 

published a correction to the July 10, 


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12878 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules 

3U.S. Department of Energy—Office of Energy 

Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Energy 

Conservation Program for Consumer Products: 

Residential Furnace and Boiler Test Procedure 

Rulemaking: Testing Report: Energy Efficiency 

Standards for Consumer Products: Residential 

Furnaces and Boilers (February 2015) (Available in 

Docket #EERE–2012–BT–TP–0024 at http://

www.regulations.gov). 

4The definition of ‘‘Furnace’’ currently in the 

CFR at 10 CFR 430.2 mistakenly repeats the terms 

‘‘gravity central furnaces, and electric central 

furnaces’’ at the end of the definition. In this NOPR, 

DOE proposes modifying the definition to correct 

this error and remove the duplicated language. 

2013 final rule that rectified errors in 

the redesignations of affected 

subsections within section 10 of 

appendix N. 78 FR 53625. 

Most recently, on January 4, 2013, 

DOE published a request for information 

(RFI) in the Federal Register that sought 

comment and information on a variety 

of issues relating to the existing DOE 

residential furnace and boiler AFUE test 

method. 78 FR 675. Key issues 

discussed in the RFI include: (1) Test 

conditions impacting the AFUE metric; 

(2) test conditions impacting non-AFUE 

efficiency parameters; (3) the 

incorporation of a performance test to 

verify compliance with the design 

requirement that mandates the boiler 

must have a functioning automatic 

means for adjusting water temperature; 

(4) harmonization of standards; (5) 

reducing the test burden; (6) alternative 

methods for furnace/boiler efficiency 

determination; (7) scope of test 

procedure coverage; and (8) standby 

mode and off mode. By issuing the RFI, 

DOE began the process of fulfilling its 

obligation to periodically review its test 

procedures under 42 U.S.C. 

6293(b)(1)(A). 

II. Summary of the Notice of Proposed 

Rulemaking 

In this NOPR, DOE proposes to 

modify the existing DOE test procedure 

for residential furnaces and boilers to 

improve the consistency and accuracy 

of test results generated using the DOE 

test procedure and to reduce test 

burden. DOE’s proposals in the NOPR 

are based on data collected during 

product testing, as well as public 

comment received on the January 2013 

RFI. A summary of the data analysis is 

included in the furnace and boiler 

development testing report (‘‘Testing 

Report’’).3

In overview, DOE proposes to amend 

the residential furnaces and boilers test 

procedure by incorporating by reference 

ASHRAE Standard 103–2007 

(hereinafter referred to as ASHRAE 103– 

2007) in place of ASHRAE 103–1993, 

which currently is referenced in the 

existing test procedure. In addition, this 

notice proposes to adopt modifications 

that establish revised test procedures for 

two-stage and modulating products, as 

well as for boilers with long post-purge 

times that would not otherwise be 

included in the incorporation by 

reference of ASHRAE Standard 103– 

2007. 

DOE also proposes to amend the test 

procedure to include: (1) Allowing the 

measurement of condensate under 

steady-state conditions during the 

steady-state test rather than requiring an 

additional 30 minutes of testing after the 

steady-state conditions are established; 

(2) revised annual electricity 

consumption equations to account for 

additional electrical components; (3) 

revised test procedure references to 

‘‘manufacturer recommendations’’ or 

‘‘manufacturer’s instructions’’ that do 

not explicitly identify the source of the 

recommendations or instructions; (4) a 

test protocol for determining the 

functionality of the automatic means for 

adjusting water temperature, (5) 

adopting a test method to indicate the 

absence or presence of airflow to 

determine whether the minimum 

default draft factor may be used; (6) 

revised required reporting precision for 

AFUE; (7) specifying testing 

requirements for units that are installed 

without a return duct, and (8) testing 

requirements for units with 

multiposition configurations. The 

specific proposed changes to the test 

procedure are presented at the end of 

this notice. 

In any rulemaking to amend a test 

procedure, DOE must determine to what 

extent, if any, the proposed test 

procedure would alter the measured 

efficiency of any covered product as 

determined under the existing test 

procedure. (42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(1)) For 

residential furnaces and boilers, DOE 

has tentatively determined that the 

proposed test procedure amendments 

would have a de minimis impact on the 

products’ measured efficiency. 

III. Discussion 

In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought 

input from interested parties on the 

following topics: (1) Test conditions 

impacting the AFUE metric; (2) test 

conditions impacting non-AFUE 

efficiency parameters; (3) the 

incorporation of a performance test to 

verify compliance with the design 

requirement that mandates the boiler 

must have a functioning automatic 

means for adjusting water temperature; 

(4) harmonization of standards; (5) 

reducing the test burden; (6) alternative 

methods for determining furnace/boiler 

efficiency; and (7) scope of test 

procedure coverage. 78 FR 675, 676–79 

(Jan. 4, 2013). The following 14 

interested parties submitted written 

comments: American Gas Association 

(AGA), National Propane Gas 

Association (NPGA), American Public 

Gas Association (APGA), Lennox 

Industries Inc.—PD&R (LII), United 

Technologies (UT) and Carrier (UT&C), 

Ingersoll Rand Residential Solutions 

(IRRS), Crown Boiler Company (CBC), 

U.S. Boiler Company (USBC), Energy 

Kinetics, Inc. (EKI), Rheem 

Manufacturing Company (RMC), the 

Air-Conditioning, Heating and 

Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), Natural 

Resources Defense Council (NRDC), 

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and 

Goodman Global, Inc. (GGI). 

Stakeholders provided comments on a 

range of issues, including those DOE 

identified in the January 2013 RFI, as 

well as several other pertinent issues 

related to the proposed test procedure 

changes and also clarification and 

consideration of some additional 

opportunities for improvement. The 

following discussion addresses the 

specific topics and provides DOE’s 

responses to stakeholder comments. 

A. Products Covered by the Proposed 

Rule 

The proposed test procedure 

amendments cover those products that 

meet the definitions for residential 

furnaces and boilers, as codified in 

DOE’s regulations at 10 CFR 430.2, 

which defines a furnace as a product 

that: (1) Utilizes only single-phase 

electric current, or single-phase electric 

current or direct current (DC) in 

conjunction with natural gas, propane, 

or home heating oil; (2) is designed to 

be the principal heating source for the 

living space of a residence; (3) is not 

contained within the same cabinet with 

a central air conditioner whose rated 

cooling capacity is above 65,000 Btu per 

hour; (4) is an electric central furnace, 

electric boiler, forced-air central 

furnace, gravity central furnace, or low 

pressure steam or hot water boiler; and 

(5) has a heat input rate of less than 

300,000 Btu per hour for electric boilers 

and low pressure steam or hot water 

boilers and less than 225,000 Btu per 

hour for forced-air central furnaces, 

gravity central furnaces, and electric 

central furnaces.4

The definitions for the individual 

products covered in this test procedure, 

as codified in DOE’s regulations at 10 

CFR 430.2, include: (1) An electric 

boiler is an electrically powered furnace 

designed to supply low pressure steam 

or hot water for space heating 

application. A low pressure steam boiler 

operates at or below 15 pounds per 


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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules 12879 

5 Kelly, G.E., Chi, J., Kuklewicz, M.E., 

‘‘Recommended Testing and Calculation Procedures 

for Determining the Seasonal Performance of 

Residential Central Furnaces and Boilers,’’ NBSIR 

78–1543 (March 1978). 

square inch gauge (psig) steam pressure; 

a hot water boiler operates at or below 

160 psig water pressure and 250 °F 

water temperature; (2) an electric central 

furnace is a furnace that is designed to 

supply heat through a system of ducts 

with air as the heating medium, in 

which heat generated by one or more 

electric resistance heating elements is 

circulated by means of a fan or blower; 

(3) a forced air central furnace is a 

furnace that burns gas or oil and is 

designed to supply heat through a 

system of ducts with air as the heating 

medium. The heat generated by 

combustion of gas or oil is transferred to 

the air within a casing by conduction 

through heat exchange surfaces and is 

circulated through the duct system by 

means of a fan or blower; (4) a gravity 

central furnace is a gas-fueled furnace 

which depends primarily on natural 

convection for circulation of heated air 

and which is designed to be used in 

conjunction with a system of ducts; (5) 

A low pressure steam or hot water boiler 

is an electric, gas, or oil-burning furnace 

designed to supply low pressure steam 

or hot water for space heating 

applications. A low pressure steam 

boiler operates at or below 15 pounds 

psig steam pressure; a hot water boiler 

operates at or below 160 psig water 

pressure and 250 °F water temperature; 

(6) a mobile home furnace is a direct 

vent furnace that is designed for use 

only in mobile homes; (7) an outdoor 

furnace or boiler is a furnace or boiler 

normally intended for installation outof-doors or in an unheated space (such 

as an attic or a crawl space); and (8) a 

weatherized warm air furnace or boiler 

is a furnace or boiler designed for 

installation outdoors, approved for 

resistance to wind, rain, and snow, and 

supplied with its own venting system. 

B. Effective Date and Compliance Date 

for the Amended Test Procedure 

This notice proposes amendments 

that would be made in 10 CFR 430.3, 10 

CFR 430.23, and in 10 CFR part 430, 

subpart B, appendix N. Pursuant to 42 

U.S.C. 6293(c)(2), effective 180 days 

after DOE prescribes or establishes a 

new or amended test procedure, 

manufacturers must make 

representations of energy efficiency, 

including certifications of compliance, 

using that new or amended test 

procedure. 

C. Proposed Test Procedure 

Amendments 

In the January 2013 RFI, DOE 

requested comments about improving 

the residential furnace and boiler test 

procedure’s effectiveness in quantifying 

energy efficiency performance under 

typical field conditions. 78 FR 675, 677 

(Jan. 4, 2013). DOE identified 

opportunities to reduce variability, 

eliminate ambiguity, and address 

discrepancies between the test 

procedure and actual field conditions. 

DOE received input on a variety of 

issues, including: (1) Updating the 

incorporated ASHRAE Standard 103 

from the 1993 version to the 2007 

version; (2) measurement of condensate 

under steady-state conditions; (3) 

measurement of additional electrical 

consumption for modulating products 

and auxiliary components; (4) 

installation and operational manual 

reference; (5) verification test for 

automatic means for adjusting water 

temperature; (6) AFUE reporting 

precision; (7) oversize factor; (8) supply 

and return water temperature; (9) 

default factors, including draft, jacket 

loss, and seasonal factors; (10) 

calculation simplification for burner 

cycling and draft losses; (11) room 

ambient temperature and humidity 

ranges; (12) burner operating hours 

determination; (13) alignment of vent 

stack configuration with American 

National Standards Institute (ANSI) 

standards; (14) harmonization of 

pressure drop requirements; (15) 

alternative methods for determining the 

efficiency of residential furnaces and 

boilers; (16) the scope of the test 

procedure; and (17) full-fuel-cycle (FFC) 

energy metrics in the AFUE test. In 

addition, DOE considered: (18) 

Specifying ductwork requirements for 

units that are installed without a return 

duct and (19) specifying testing 

requirements for units with 

multiposition configurations. The 

proposed test procedure amendments 

are addressed in further detail 

immediately following. 

1. Updating ASHRAE Standard 103 

From the 1993 Version to the 2007 

Version 

The DOE test procedure for 

determining the AFUE of residential 

furnaces and boilers currently 

references industry test standard 

ASHRAE 103–1993. The ASHRAE 

Standard 103–1982 test procedure was 

initially developed in 1982 based on the 

DOE test procedures for single-stage 

furnaces and boilers recommended by 

Kelly et al.5 ASHRAE 103 was revised 

in 1988 and again in 1993 to include 

test procedures for condensing units, for 

two-stage and modulating units, and for 

units employing a short post-purge 

period after the burner is shut off. In 

1998, ASHRAE organized Standard 

Project Committee (SPC) 103R to begin 

the revision process to ASHRAE 103– 

1993, which followed comments from 

the industry on the need to address 

some possible shortcomings of the 

standard based on user experiences. The 

1993 ASHRAE Standard 103 was 

updated in 2007 (ASHRAE Standard 

103–2007) to reflect product design 

improvements and other changes. 

Particular attention was given to the 

new classes of two-stage and 

modulating products, as well as 

products incorporating combustion 

chamber post-purge technology. The 

ASHRAE standard was also updated to 

reflect greater understanding of energy 

losses, as well as to incorporate changes 

to clarify nomenclature and definitions. 

In addition, the revisions included 

changes to parameters in appendix C of 

ASHRAE 103, impacting the 

determination of national average 

burner operating hours, average annual 

fuel energy consumption, and average 

annual auxiliary electrical energy 

consumption for gas or oil furnaces and 

boilers. 

DOE received several comments 

regarding updating its incorporation by 

reference of ASHRAE 103–2007 in the 

DOE test procedure. Lennox, NRDC, and 

NRCan responded in favor of adopting 

the 2007 version of ASHRAE 103 

without requesting specific changes. 

Additionally, Goodman, Carrier, AHRI, 

and Ingersoll Rand requested that DOE 

consider adopting the newer version, 

but with some exceptions. Rheem 

expressed concerns about the adoption 

of specific provisions of ASHRAE 103– 

2007 that in their view would not be an 

improvement to the current version 

DOE has incorporated by reference. 

These comments are addressed in 

further detail subsequently. 

Lennox stated that the company 

generally supports incorporation by 

reference of the new version of the 

ASHRAE standard into the DOE test 

procedure. (Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2) NRDC 

also supports the use of ASHRAE 103– 

2007 to the extent that the standard is 

fully up-to-date and not controversial 

from a technical perspective. (NRDC, 

No. 14 at p. 1) NRCan also supports the 

use of ASHRAE 103–2007 and stated 

that Canada has already used it to 

update its oil-fired boiler regulations. 

(NRCan, No. 15 at p. 1) Goodman 

supports DOE’s intent to update 

references to the most current edition of 

industry test procedures as well. 

Goodman also recommended better 

coordination between the development 

of DOE’s and ASHRAE’s test procedures 

to reduce the regulatory burden on 


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6 In ASHRAE 103–1993, in addition to being used 

in the calculations related to electricity use, DHR 

is also used in: (1) Calculating the oversize factor 

in section 11.4.8.3; (2) calculating EffySS,M in 

section 11.4.8.8; and, (3) calculating QOUT,M in 

section 11.4.8.10. 

7The 60 percent rate cited by Rheem represents 

the capacity required to meet the design house 

heating load when using an oversize factor of 0.7 

(100%/(1 + 0.7) = 59%). 

8Liu, Stanley, ‘‘Proposed Revisions of Part of the 

Test Procedures for Furnaces and Boilers in 

ASHRAE Standard 103–1993,’’ NIST (September 

2002). 

9 Id. 

manufacturers. (Goodman, No. 16 at p. 

2) Carrier agreed with the adoption of 

ASHRAE 103–2007, as long as it does 

not affect the measure of AFUE of 

existing furnaces and boilers. It added 

that DOE must maintain the exceptions 

allowed by ASHRAE 103–1993 because 

the burden of testing would increase 

significantly without the exceptions, 

while the effect on the result would be 

small. These exceptions include not 

needing to fully insulate the inducer 

and allowing for the 30-second postpurge of the inducer. (Carrier, No. 7 at 

p. 1) 

AHRI conditionally agreed with 

updating the test procedure based on 

ASHRAE 103–2007 but stated that DOE 

must try to avoid making changes just 

for the sake of making changes. AHRI 

also recommended DOE consider: (1) 

Not incorporating sections 11.4.9.11 and 

11.4.9.12 of ASHRAE 103–2007 because 

those provisions add a consequential 

burden to manufacturers without an 

obvious benefit; and (2) that the table of 

Design Heating Requirements (DHR) 

(Table 8 in the 1993 edition) has been 

deleted from the 2007 version, and the 

associated calculations,6 which formerly 

used DHR values from that table, now 

rely solely on the oversize factor and 

heating capacity when operating under 

steady-state conditions (QOUT). AHRI 

stated that this change may have more 

of an effect on estimates of electric 

consumption than on the AFUE value. 

(AHRI, No. 13 at p. 2–3) 

Ingersoll Rand acknowledged that on 

balance, adoption of ASHRAE 103–2007 

in its entirety would be an improvement 

over currently referenced ASHRAE 103– 

1993. However, in its comments, 

Ingersoll Rand identified changes made 

to the 2007 version that are troublesome 

and need further study, such as the 

change to the on/off timings of two-stage 

and modulating products, which has 

been found to result in lower AFUE 

results for high-efficiency furnaces (90+ 

percent AFUE) and higher AFUE results 

for less-efficient furnaces (80+ percent 

AFUE). Ingersoll Rand also stated its 

view that the changes are significant 

enough require retesting and rerating of 

current equipment. In addition, the 

change to how DHR is determined 

would change the electrical usage 

calculation, which may require 

recalculating electrical usage estimates 

for all products and could result in 

delisting of many current Energy Star 

products. (Ingersoll Rand, No. 8 at p. 2) 

Rheem also commented on ASHRAE 

103–2007 provisions. Rheem stated that 

Table 7 (Average Burner On-Time and 

Off-Time Per Cycle for Furnaces and 

Boilers) from ASHRAE 103–2007 should 

not be included in the DOE test 

procedure. Rheem believes that the 

ASHRAE 103–2007 method for 

calculating the on and off cycle times 

based on a calculated oversize factor has 

value, but that the calculation is flawed 

due to the assumption that the 

thermostat cycle response at 50-percent 

load, N50, is equal to 5 cycles per hour 

for furnaces (equations 11.4.9.11 and 

11.4.9.12 of ASHRAE 103–2007). 

(Rheem, No. 12 at p. 4) Rheem believes 

that there should be a significant 

difference between the high-fire cycle 

time and reduced-fire cycle time. Rheem 

presented data to support this 

statement. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 5) 

In addition, according to Rheem, the 

elimination of the requirement to test 

the efficiency at maximum input rate for 

multi-stage products would significantly 

reduce the burden on manufacturers. 

Rheem argued that currently, the 

efficiency at the maximum input rate 

has very little, if any, effect on the 

overall AFUE rating and is not 

representative of operation of the 

furnace in the field. Rheem stated that 

an AFUE metric for multi-stage 

products, that incorporates measured 

values at a reduced input that is close 

to the design load is a more appropriate 

representation of furnace operation in 

the average home. Rheem suggested that 

multi-stage products be tested at the 

lowest reduced input rate and the 

highest reduced input rate below 60 

percent of furnace rated capacity.7

(Rheem, No. 12 at p. 8) 

Rheem highlighted that ASHRAE 

103–2007 and ASHRAE 103–1993 allow 

an option to collect condensate over an 

additional three cycles (ASHRAE 103– 

2007, section 9.8.5), but the standards 

do not sufficiently address the issue of 

variation of condensate flow at varying 

cycle rates. ASHRAE 103–2007 

addresses variation within subsequent 

cycles at a single rate but does not 

address differences between cycle rates. 

(Rheem, No. 12 at p. 6–7) 

In response to the stakeholder 

comments, DOE notes that results from 

testing to ASHRAE 103–2007 more 

accurately reflect the efficiency of twostage/modulating models because the 

standard calculates the on/off cycle 

times for such models, as opposed to 

ASHRAE 103–1993, which assigned 

fixed values to these parameters. When 

tested under the ASHRAE 103–1993 test 

procedure, some two-stage/modulating 

units operate at reduced fire more than 

95 percent of the time.8 Thus, under the 

test procedure calculations, such units 

operate similarly to a single-stage unit 

operating at the reduced input capacity 

of the unit. As a check for consistency, 

the AFUE of a two-stage/modulating 

unit operating entirely at reduced input, 

as determined using the single-stage 

calculation method, should be very 

similar to the actual AFUE of that unit, 

as determined using the two-stage/

modulating calculation method. 

However, the two-stage and modulating 

calculation method in ASHRAE 103– 

1993 can result in an AFUE of more 

than one percentage point higher than 

the AFUE resulting from the single-stage 

calculation method.9 The reason for this 

discrepancy is that ASHRAE 103–1993 

assigns different on/off times to singlestage and two-stage/modulating units. 

ASHRAE 103–2007 resolves the 

inconsistency between the two 

calculation methods by calculating the 

on/off cycle times for two-stage/

modulating units while maintaining 

fixed on/off times for single-stage 

equipment. The resulting two-stage and 

modulating on/off cycle times are closer 

to those specified for single-stage units, 

as one would expect based upon their 

operation. 

Another calculation revision 

addressed by ASHRAE 103–2007 is the 

equation used for determining offperiod losses. ASHRAE 103–1993 limits 

the post-purge period to three minutes 

after the burner is shut off, thereby 

producing inaccurate flue loss results 

for oil-fired boilers that require a postpurge time longer than three minutes. 

ASHRAE 103–2007 addresses this issue 

by providing a calculation to account for 

greater flue losses for boilers with postpurge times longer than three minutes. 

Additionally, ASHRAE 103–2007 

provisions allow calculating AFUE for 

two-stage and modulating products 

based on the reduced fuel input only 

when the balance point temperature 

(TC) value is less than or equal to 5 °F 

(ASHRAE 103–2007, section 11.4.8.4), 

which occurs when QOUT,R/QOUT is 

greater than 0.59. This is the case for all 

two-stage furnaces currently on the 

market and for some modulating 

models. The adoption of this ASHRAE 

103–2007 provision would allow testing 

of models that meet the balance point 


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10Liu, Stanley, ‘‘Proposed Revisions of Part of the 

Test Procedures for Furnaces and Boilers in 

ASHRAE Standard 103–1993,’’ NIST (September 

2002). 

11Lekov, A., V. Franco, and J. Lutz, ‘‘Residential 

Two-Stage Gas Furnaces: Do They Save Energy?,’’ 

Presented at 2006 ACEEE Summer Conference. 

LBNL (August 2006) (Available at: http://aceee.org/ 

files/proceedings/2006/data/papers/SS06_Panel1_

Paper16.pdf). 

12 ‘‘BOHR’’ is defined as the national average 

number of burner operating hours at the reduced 

operating mode for furnaces and boilers equipped 

with two-stage or step-modulating controls. 

‘‘BOHM’’ is defined as the national average burner 

operating hours in the modulating mode for 

furnaces and boilers equipped with stepmodulating controls. 

13 ‘‘y’’ is the ratio of blower or pump on-time to 

average burner on-time. ‘‘yP’’ is the ratio of induced 

or forced draft blower on-time to average burner ontime. ‘‘yR’’ and ‘‘yP,R’’ are the equivalent parameters 

at reduced operating mode. 

provision using only the steady-state 

test at low fire for many two-stage and 

modulating models, resulting in a 

reduction of test burden. 

Finally, ASHRAE 103–2007 improved 

the accuracy of the determination of 

national average burner operating hours 

(BOH), average annual fuel energy 

consumption (EF), and average annual 

auxiliary electrical energy consumption 

(EAE), especially for two-stage and 

modulating products, based on a 2002 

study from NIST.10 A 2006 study 11

showed that the main improvements to 

these parameters in the 2007 ASHRAE 

test procedure are: (a) The approach 

used to calculate the heat generated by 

the product’s electrical components; (b) 

properly accounting for maximum and 

reduced operating modes; (c) the 

approach used to determine the design 

heating requirement; and (d) the 

approach for calculating on-time ratios 

for the product’s electrical components. 

This study showed that these updates 

significantly increase the accuracy of 

the two-stage and modulating 

calculations so that they can be more 

comparable to single-stage results and 

field studies. 

Burner operating hours account for 

the heat provided by the fuel and 

electrical components. In the 

calculation for the number of annual 

burner operating hours (BOHR and 

BOHM) for two-stage and modulating 

furnaces (or boilers), respectively, the 

existing DOE test procedure estimates 

the BOHR and BOHM using heat 

provided by the fuel and electrical 

components, which are measured at the 

maximum operating mode only.12 In 

practice, two-stage and modulating 

furnaces (or boilers) operate most of the 

time in a reduced mode, which 

lengthens the product’s hours of 

operation. To make the test procedure 

for two-stage and modulating products 

more representative of actual operating 

conditions, the existing DOE text 

procedure incorporates the factor R 

calculated as the ratio of the duration of 

on-time of two-stage or modulating 

products during actual usage to the 

duration of on-time of single-stage 

products. The factor R is not included 

in the ASHRAE 103–2007 test 

procedure, as heat provided from the 

electrical components is determined 

separately for the burner operating 

hours at the maximum, reduced, and 

modulating modes, which results in 

reducing the fraction of heat from the 

electricity components. By adopting 

ASHRAE 103–2007, the proposed DOE 

test procedure eliminates the factor R. 

In addition, the current DOE test 

procedure calculates EF for two-stage 

and modulating products at the 

maximum operating mode only. In 

contrast, because the majority of the 

heating load is not delivered at the 

maximum input operating mode, 

ASHRAE 103–2007 calculates EF for 

two-stage and modulating products by 

taking into account the fuel 

consumption at maximum, reduced, and 

modulating operating modes. This 

approach results in a more accurate 

calculation of EF for two-stage and 

modulating products. Under the existing 

test procedure, DHR is calculated as a 

step function of output capacity, which 

causes a small rise in the heating 

capacity to impact the calculated DHR 

value in a way that results in higher, 

calculated, energy consumption for 

more-efficient furnaces. This causes the 

current DOE test procedure 

methodology to not always be suitable 

for comparing furnace energy use. 

ASHRAE 103–2007 improves the 

calculation of the house heating load in 

the BOH calculations by replacing the 

DHR step function in the existing DOE 

test procedure with a linear function of 

the oversize factor and heating capacity 

when operating under steady-state 

conditions (QOUT). Lastly, the on-time 

ratios for the product’s electrical 

components (yR and yP,R) are included 

in ASHRAE 103–2007 to more 

accurately represent the duration of the 

electrical components operating in 

reduced operating mode when 

calculating BOH and EAE.13

In conclusion, DOE has tentatively 

decided to incorporate by reference 

ASHRAE 103–2007 with amendments 

as set forth in this rulemaking. DOE has 

tentatively concluded that ASHRAE 

103–2007 offers significant 

improvements over ASHRAE 103–1993 

through the changes made to the AFUE 

calculation method for two-stage/

modulating products, for products with 

a post-purge period longer than 3 

minutes, and for the determination of 

BOH, EF, and EAE parameters. In 

addition, the majority of stakeholders 

responded in favor of adopting the 2007 

version of ASHRAE Standard 103. The 

incorporation by reference of ASHRAE 

103–2007 requires removing from 10 

CFR 430.3 the section exceptions to 

ASHRAE 103–2007 associated with the 

residential furnaces and boilers test 

procedure and the residential furnace 

fans test procedure. Accordingly, DOE 

proposes to include the product-specific 

section exceptions in the definitions 

section in the corresponding appendix 

of subpart B of 10 CFR 430, (i.e., 

appendix N for furnaces and boilers and 

appendix AA for furnace fans). 

Therefore, DOE proposes to revise 

section 2.2 of appendix N and section 

2.3 of appendix AA of subpart B of 10 

CFR 430 to include the product-specific 

section exceptions to ASHRAE 103– 

2007. DOE also proposes to modify the 

equations for determining BOH, EF, and 

EAE parameters adopted from ASHRAE 

103–2007 to incorporate ignition power 

consumption, standby mode and off 

mode energy consumption, and electric 

components’ useful heat parameter in 

the burner operating hours as a function 

of the installation location, all of which 

are incorporated into the current DOE 

test procedure. 

2. Measurement of Condensate Under 

Steady-State Conditions 

DOE considered the possibility of 

reducing test burden by providing that 

the condensate mass can be measured 

during the establishment of steady-state 

conditions, rather than after steady-state 

has been achieved. Section 9.2 of both 

ASHRAE 103–1993 and ASHRAE 103– 

2007 requires that the measurement of 

condensate shall be conducted during 

the 30-minute period after steady-state 

conditions have been established. To 

reduce test burden, DOE proposes to 

allow for the measurement of 

condensate during the establishment of 

the steady-state conditions (ASHRAE 

103–2007, section 9.1) rather than 

during a 30-minute period after 

establishing steady-state conditions 

(ASHRAE 103–2007, section 9.2). DOE 

investigated the difference in 

condensate mass collected and the rate 

of condensate production during the 

two separate periods (i.e., during the 

establishment of steady-state conditions 

and after steady-state conditions have 

been reached). Based on the comparison 

of the measurements, DOE has 

determined that there is no significant 

difference in the mass of condensate 

collected or the rate of condensate 

production during the two separate 

tests. 


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14The term BE means ‘‘the circulating air fan or 

water pump electrical energy input rate at full load 

steady state operation’’ (ASHRAE 103–2007, p. 51). 

15The existing DOE test procedure includes five 

terms for determining electrical consumption: (1) 

BE, which is the electrical power to the circulating 

air blower or water pump; (2) PE, which is the 

electrical power to the burner; (3) PIG which is the 

electrical input to the interrupted ignition device, 

(4) PW,SB which is the standby mode power; and (5) 

PW,OFF which is the off mode power. 

16See sections 7.2.3.1, 7.2.3.2, 7.8, 8.3.3.2, and 

8.4.1.1.2 in ASHRAE 103–1993 for references to 

‘‘manufacturer’s instructions’’; see sections 7.2.2.2 

and 8.4.1.1 in ASHRAE 103–1993 for references to 

‘‘manufacturer’s recommendations.’’ 

3. Electrical Consumption of 

Components 

In the January 2013 RFI, DOE stated 

that it would consider amendments to 

account for the electrical consumption 

of additional components not already 

captured by the existing DOE test 

procedure. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013). 

Currently, the DOE residential furnace 

and boiler test procedure measures only 

the power supplied to the power burner 

motor, the ignition device, and the 

circulation pump. The existing DOE test 

procedure does not explicitly include 

other devices that use power during the 

active mode, such as the gas valve, 

safety and operating controls, and 

internal pumps used to maintain a 

minimum flow rate through the heat 

exchanger that do not function as 

system circulating pumps. 

In the January 2013 RFI, DOE 

requested comment on whether the 

boiler average annual auxiliary 

electrical energy consumption 

calculations should include one system 

circulating pump and an additional 

pump (if present) that circulates water 

during burner operation, and how to 

address any electrical power 

consumption not already measured 

during the active mode. Id. 

AHRI commented that the electrical 

consumption of any internal circulating 

pump should be included in the test 

procedure. However, AHRI stated that 

in most designs, the operation of this 

internal circulating pump is directly 

tied to the operation of the burner (i.e., 

water must be flowing for the burner to 

fire). Thus, according to AHRI, it may be 

more appropriate to include the 

electrical consumption of the internal 

circulating pump in the ‘‘BE’’ term.14

(AHRI, No. 13 at p. 5) NRCan also stated 

that the residential furnace and boiler 

test procedure provisions for electrical 

ratings should include all connected 

loads and ancillary components. 

(NRCan, No. 15 at p. 4) 

The current DOE test procedure 

accounts for the power consumed by the 

ignition device, circulating pump, and 

power burner motors, but it does not 

account for the power used by other 

devices during the active mode (e.g., gas 

valve operation and safety and operating 

controls). In the January 2013 RFI, DOE 

stated its intent to consider including 

any electrical power consumption not 

already measured during the active 

mode, and requested comment on how 

to address electrical power consumption 

by these additional components. 78 FR 

675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013). 

Lennox, Rheem, and AHRI did not 

support measuring additional electrical 

power consumption that is not already 

measured during the active mode. 

Lennox stated that manufacturers 

typically connect two power cords to 

their furnaces for efficiency testing, one 

for the blower motor and one for the rest 

of the furnace; therefore, all the 

significant electrical power 

consumption is being recorded. 

(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 3) Rheem 

commented that the manufacturer has 

already included the power consumed 

by the gas valve and safety operating 

controls in the measurement of 

electrical power to the burner (PE). 

Rheem categorized the control, inducer, 

and gas valve as components of the 

burner system. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 10) 

AHRI recommended that DOE not 

address this issue, as power consumed 

by other devices during the active mode 

may already be measured. (AHRI, No. 13 

at p. 6) In contrast, Carrier 

recommended that all electrical power 

consumption needed to operate the 

appliance should be measured during 

active mode and included in the annual 

electrical consumption calculation. 

(Carrier, No. 7 at p. 2) 

DOE performed electrical 

measurements to investigate the 

presence of auxiliary electrical energy 

consumption not accounted for in the 

existing test procedure. DOE concluded 

that there is significant measureable 

auxiliary electricity consumption 

associated with components such as 

controls, gas valves, and additional 

pumps (if present), which is not 

captured by the specific methods of 

electrical measurement prescribed in 

the existing DOE test procedure. 

Therefore, DOE proposes to expand the 

electricity use equations and the 

applicable parameter definitions to 

specifically capture all active mode 

electricity use. In particular, DOE 

proposes to add two new terms to the 

calculations of EAE for single-stage, twostage, and modulating products. The 

first new term (BES) accounts for a 

secondary boiler pump for units with 

such a device, and the second term (EO) 

represents electrical power not captured 

in the existing terms.15 If BE is 

determined by subtracting PE from the 

total measured power (or if PE is 

determined by subtracting BE from the 

total measured power), EO would be 

zero. DOE believes that these changes 

would introduce only a small additional 

testing burden because the total 

electricity consumption is often being 

captured during testing. In addition, EAE

values already have to be recalculated 

due to ASHRAE 103–2007 changes; 

therefore, the proposed changes are not 

expected to introduce any additional 

burden in terms of recalculating and 

reporting. 

DOE has tentatively concluded that 

the additional electrical components 

(secondary, pump, controls, and gas 

valve) represent a significant, 

measurable amount of the total 

electrical power. Therefore, DOE 

proposes to include electrical 

consumption of additional electrical 

components in the test procedure, as 

this would provide for a more accurate 

and complete measurement of the total 

electricity consumed by the furnaces 

and boilers. 

4. Installation and Operation Manual 

Reference 

The existing DOE test procedure 

specifies that the tested product is to be 

set up according to ‘‘manufacturer’s 

recommendations’’ or ‘‘manufacturer’s 

instructions.’’ 16 In the January 2013 

RFI, DOE sought comment on whether 

the test procedure should specify that 

the tested product is set up according to 

recommended field settings as defined 

in the product’s installation and 

operation (I&O) manual. 78 FR 675, 

677–78 (Jan. 4, 2013). 

APGA, Lennox, Carrier, Rheem, 

AHRI, and NRDC all agreed that DOE 

should consider changes to its furnaces 

and boilers test procedure to better 

account for recommended field settings 

for those products. APGA stated that 

DOE should test appliances according to 

field settings because setting up 

products in a manner inconsistent with 

recommended field guide settings raises 

safety concerns for the testing 

professional as well as future customers, 

and testing appliances in a manner 

inconsistent with recommended field 

guide settings may yield inaccurate 

data. According to APGA, appropriate 

installation procedures are important to 

ensure proper furnace/boiler 

performance, especially with vent 

configurations. (APGA, No. 5 at p. 2) 

Lennox also stated that the test 

procedure should be revised to specify 

that the tested product be set up 

according to recommended field 

settings, as defined in the product’s 


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17As of the date of issuance of this NOPR, DOE 

has not received any additional information from 

AHRI. 

18EISA 2007 mandated, starting September 1, 

2012, that all gas, oil, and electric hot water boilers 

(excluding those equipped with a tankless domestic 

water heating coil) must be equipped with 

automatic means for adjusting the boiler water 

temperature (codified at 42 U.S.C. 6295(f)(3)). This 

excludes boilers that are manufactured to operate 

without any need for electricity. 73 FR 43611, 

43613 (July 28, 2008). 

19TJ’s Plumbing and Heating, ‘‘WeatherResponsive Controls (Outdoor Reset Controls)’’ 

(2013) (Available at: http://

www.tjsradiantheat.com/noteworthies/weatherresponsive-controls/); Weil-McLain, ‘‘WM–ODR 

Outdoor Reset Control Instruction Manual’’ 

(Available at: http://www.weil-mclain.com/en/

Continued 

installation instructions or comparable 

documentation. (Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2) 

AHRI agreed that this issue should be 

considered. AHRI stated that there are 

some test set-up specifications that 

would need to be clarified and that they 

will provide specific recommendations 

in a subsequent submittal.17 (AHRI, No. 

13 at p. 5) NRDC stated that DOE should 

develop specifications that minimize 

the difference between test procedure 

conditions and field conditions, 

particularly for manufacturerrecommended settings for parameters 

like carbon dioxide (CO2), part-load 

motor efficiency, and use of pumps that 

are included as part of the product. 

(NRDC, No. 14 at p. 2) 

Carrier and Rheem offered specific 

instances in which manufacturer set-ups 

should be used in testing. Carrier 

specified that if a product has a unique 

and required set-up specified in the 

manufacturer’s instructions such that 

the only way of using the product is as 

defined in the manufacturer’s 

instructions, the DOE test procedure 

should allow for testing using these 

instructions. However, if the 

instructions for a unique set-up are 

merely optional for the use of a product, 

then the default should be to test per the 

DOE test procedure. (Carrier, No. 7 at p. 

2) Rheem commented that if the 

operation manual requires that the 

furnace should be set at a low-fire rate, 

it would be appropriate to make the 

same adjustment in the DOE test 

procedure for the AFUE test. (Rheem, 

No. 12 at p. 9) 

In response, DOE proposes changing 

the test procedure language to explicitly 

state that, where permitted by the test 

procedure, the testing recommendations 

should be drawn from the I&O manual 

shipped with the unit. The existing 

language (e.g., ‘‘manufacturer 

recommendations’’ or ‘‘manufacturer 

instructions’’) is vague and ambiguous 

and can lead to the use of ad hoc 

instructions derived solely for AFUE 

testing purposes. DOE believes the 

proposed language will increase the 

repeatability and reproducibility of the 

existing test procedure and will not 

result in additional test burden. In 

particular, in relation to Carrier’s 

comments, DOE believes that the 

proposed provision will allow a product 

to be tested with its own primary, 

unique, and required set-up specified in 

the manufacturer’s instructions, and 

that the language is clear that testing 

may not be done using any other 

optional set-ups that may be available in 

the manufacturer’s I&O manual. It also 

clarifies that the information provided 

in an I&O manual would not trump any 

portion of the DOE test procedure 

provisions. Concerning Rheem’s 

comment, the test procedure requires 

two-stage and modulating furnace and 

boilers to be tested at high-fire and lowfire rates unless specific criteria are met, 

regardless of the operational manual 

recommendations. DOE is also 

proposing specific instructions for 

parameters such as combustion airflow 

ratio (see proposed 10 CFR part 430, 

subpart B, appendix N, sec. 7.3), and 

reduced fuel input rate (see proposed 10 

CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N, 

sec. 10.3), for instances where I&O 

recommendations are not provided. 

Further, DOE would clarify that when 

the DOE test procedure provisions and 

I&O manuals are not sufficient for 

testing a furnace or boiler, the 

manufacturer must request a test 

procedure waiver from DOE. 

5. Verification Test for Automatic 

Means for Adjusting the Water 

Temperature in Boilers 

In 2008, DOE published a technical 

amendment to the 2007 furnace and 

boiler final rule to add design 

requirements for boilers consistent with 

the provisions of EISA 2007.18 73 FR 

43611 (July 28, 2008). These design 

requirements prohibit constant-burning 

pilot lights for gas-fired hot water 

boilers and gas-fired steam boilers, and 

require an automatic means for 

adjusting the water temperature for gasfired hot water boilers, oil-fired hot 

water boilers, and electric hot water 

boilers (‘‘automatic means’’). The 

automatic means must automatically 

adjust the temperature of the water 

supplied by the boiler to ensure that an 

incremental change in inferred heat load 

produces a corresponding incremental 

change in the temperature of water 

supplied. For boilers that fire at a single 

input rate, the requirement that the 

boiler have an automatic means for 

adjusting water temperature may be 

satisfied by incorporating controls that 

allow the burner or heating element to 

fire only when the inferred heat load 

cannot be met by the residual heat of the 

water in the system. However, this 

prescriptive requirement lacks sufficient 

detail as to how a manufacturer may 

execute the control strategy for the 

means to be considered automatic. DOE 

reasons that the statute established these 

design requirements as a way to 

conserve energy, and DOE believes that 

proper functional testing will help to 

ensure these energy savings. 

In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought 

comment regarding any principles or 

tests currently used, or being considered 

for use, to evaluate whether a boiler 

design satisfies the automatic means 

requirement. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 

2013). 

AHRI recommended that DOE not 

consider this issue. AHRI commented 

that the designs being used to comply 

with the automatic means requirement 

are so diverse that it is not possible to 

develop a test that could properly 

evaluate all these design solutions. It 

stated that any benefit from this concept 

is overwhelmed by its potential for 

controversy. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 6) 

NRCan provided a verification test it 

developed that is based on: (1) 

Identification of how the automatic 

control infers a change of load; (2) 

simulating a change to that variable; and 

(3) measuring the response from the 

control. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 5–6) 

DOE’s RFI also sought comment on 

required inputs and types of 

technologies needed to project changes 

in demand, and the relationships 

between these inputs/technologies and 

supply temperature or pump/burner 

operation. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013). 

DOE received no comments regarding 

the technologies and/or strategies used 

for adjusting the boiler supply water 

temperature based on inferred heat load. 

The following describes DOE’s 

understanding of the technologies used 

to address the boiler design 

requirements. 

Outdoor Reset. The most prevalent 

technology for adjusting water 

temperature according to load is 

outdoor reset. Outdoor reset uses a 

simple outdoor temperature sensor, 

typically located on the north side of the 

home. Another sensor mounted at the 

boiler senses water temperature. A 

computer chip in the control system 

uses the outdoor temperature 

information to adjust the boiler’s output 

by changing the boiler’s supply water 

temperature. Some systems also employ 

a third internal room sensor to provide 

additional data for the control system.19


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assets/pdf/outdoor_reset_controls_odr_

manual.pdf); Tekmar, ‘‘Outdoor Reset ARC’’ (2008). 

20AHRI, ‘‘Residential Boilers Certification 

Program Operations Manual’’ (Available at: http:// 

www.ahrinet.org/App_Content/ahri/files/

Certification/OM%20pdfs/updated/RBLR%20OM- 

%202013.pdf). (Last accessed January 16, 2015). 

21Hydrolevel Company, ‘‘Fuel Smart Hydrostat 

Sales Sheet Three Function Control’’ (Available at: 

http://www.hydrolevel.com/new/images/literature/

sales_sheets/fuel_smart_hydrostat_sales_sheet.pdf) 

(Last accessed January 16, 2015). 

22Tekmar, ‘‘Boiler Post Purge’’ (2012) (Last 

accessed January 16, 2015). 

23Hydrolevel Company, ‘‘Fuel Smart Hydrostat 

Sales Sheet Three Function Control’’ (Available at: 

http://www.hydrolevel.com/new/images/literature/

sales_sheets/fuel_smart_hydrostat_sales_sheet.pdf) 

(Last accessed January 16, 2015). 

24California Energy Commission, ‘‘Reference 

Appendices for the 2008 Building Energy Efficiency 

Standards for Residential and Non-residential 

Buildings’’, p. 332, (Available at: http://

www.energy.ca.gov/2008publications/CEC–400– 

2008–004/CEC–400–2008–004–CMF.PDF) (Last 

accessed January 16, 2015). 

25Sections 11.2.9.9, 11.2.9.10, 11.2.10.2 of 

ASHRAE 103–1993. 

26See Table 6 of ASHRAE 103–1993. 

27Sections 8.8.2 of ASHRAE 103–1993. 

28Section 11.6.4 of ASHRAE 103–1993. 29See section 8.8.3 of ASHRAE 103–1993 (‘‘On 

units whose design is such that there is absolutely 

no chance of airflow through the combustion 

chamber and heat exchanger when the burner(s) is 

off, DF and DP may be set equal to 0.05.’’) and 

section 9.7.4 of ASHRAE 103–1993 (‘‘On units 

having a design such that there is absolutely no 

chance of airflow through the combustion chamber 

and heat exchanger when the burner(s) is off, DF 

and DP may be set equal to 0.05.’’). 

Inferred Load. The adjustment of 

water temperature based on building 

load can also be achieved using 

software, rather than sensors, to predict 

the inferred heating load. Inferred 

heating load can be based on outdoor 

temperature information, thermostat 

demand patterns, indoor temperature 

information, or burner cycling and/or 

modulation patterns.20 Under this 

approach, microprocessor-based 

algorithms monitor thermostat activity 

to track how much heat the building 

requires and adjust the supply water 

temperature accordingly.21

Thermal Pre-Purge. Thermal prepurge is an automatic means that 

identifies the amount of residual heat 

available in the boiler following a call 

for heating. This strategy allows the 

pump to operate prior to the ignition of 

the burner.22 Following an ‘‘off’’ cycle, 

the boiler’s control system determines 

how much latent heat is still available 

from the previous ‘‘on’’ cycle, and only 

activates the burner when the measured 

latent heat cannot meet the heating 

demand.23

Based on the overall comments and 

the provided draft test methodologies, 

DOE proposes the use of two test 

methods—one for single-stage boilers 

and one for two-stage/modulating 

boilers—for verification of the 

functionality of the automatic means for 

adjusting the water temperature 

supplied by a boiler. These test methods 

are independent of the AFUE test 

because the automatic means 

requirement is a design requirement and 

is not part of the minimum efficiency 

requirements. The draft testing 

methodologies provided by NRCan, as 

well as the California mechanical codes 

section for non-residential boilers,24

were used as bases for the proposed test 

methods. The proposed test methods 

can evaluate a variety of control 

strategies used to comply with the 

automatic means prescriptive 

requirement. The two separate tests 

have been developed to accommodate 

the various boiler control strategies. 

As discussed previously, the 

requirement to incorporate an automatic 

means does not specify how a 

manufacturer must implement the 

automatic means. It only requires that 

an incremental change in inferred heat 

load produce a corresponding 

incremental change in heat output. Each 

of the proposed test methods allows for 

accommodation of technological 

advances in controls and designs and 

does not limit the innovation of this 

control type. 

The proposed test methods for 

automatic means verification would 

confirm whether the boiler heat output 

responds to a change in inferred heat 

load, thereby verifying the functionality 

of the automatic means. Specifically, the 

single-stage boiler test captures the 

delayed burner reaction following a call 

for heating when residual heat is 

present within the boiler. The twostage/modulating test monitors water 

temperature settings from the inferential 

load controller and/or supply water 

temperature measurements to determine 

whether these values properly respond 

to changes in the inferred load. The 

proposed tests would be added to 10 

CFR part 429.134. 

6. Off-Cycle and Power Burner Draft 

Factors 

In the January 2013 RFI, DOE 

requested feedback on existing default 

draft factor values for furnaces and 

boilers. 78 FR 675, 676–77 (Jan. 4, 

2013). Existing draft factors, as specified 

in the test procedure,25 include the offcycle draft factor for flue gas flow (DF) 

and the power burner draft factor (DP), 

the off-cycle draft factor for stack gas 

flow (DS), and the off-cycle draft factor 

for stack gas flow without a stack 

damper (DS

O). The existing DOE test 

procedure allows for the use of the 

default values for DF of 0.4 for furnaces 

and boilers with power burners and 1.0 

for furnaces and boilers with 

atmospheric burners.26 The DOE test 

procedure also allows for DF to be 

assigned a value equal to DP, which is 

determined using optional testing.27

Also, for furnaces and boilers employing 

a power burner, if the measured DP is 

less than 0.1, then DP is set at 0.05 

because, based on input by industry 

experts and DOE testing, the tracer gas 

test is often inaccurate at flows lower 

than a DP of 0.1.28 Under the existing 

DOE test procedure, when there is no 

airflow through the flue side of the heat 

exchanger in the off cycle, 

manufacturers may apply a minimum 

default draft factor (DF or DP) of 0.05.29

However, the existing test procedure 

does not provide a process to determine 

whether the tested model is designed 

with no measurable airflow through the 

combustion chamber and heat 

exchanger during the burner off-period. 

DOE sought comment on whether a 

minimum default draft factor may be 

applied at all, the conditions under 

which a minimum default draft factor 

may be applied, and how such 

conditions can be verified. 

Ingersoll Rand commented that 

testing burden can be reduced by 

improving draft factor default values. 

(Ingersoll Rand, No. 8 at p. 1) Rheem 

indicated that the default draft factor for 

furnaces should be lowered for today’s 

furnaces. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2) Rheem 

stated that for all furnaces, it uses a 

value for DF and DP of 0.05, although 

actual tested values may be lower. 

(Rheem, No. 12 at p.7) AHRI 

recommended that DOE reassess the 

default values for draft factors. AHRI 

also stated that information provided by 

their members indicates that the default 

draft factors are too high for current 

models of furnaces and boilers. (AHRI, 

No. 13 at p. 2) Energy Kinetics also 

stated that the off-cycle draft factor may 

be reduced due to the use of draftcontrolling devices, controls, and 

control strategies. (Energy Kinetics, No. 

11 at p. 2) 

Lennox stated that the test procedure 

should specify the conditions under 

which it is appropriate to use the 

minimum default draft factor of 0.05, 

and also should include instructions 

explaining how to test for low or no 

flow through the heat exchanger. It 

added that furnaces designed with 

burners above the outlet of the heat 

exchanger/combustion air inducer 

usually have no flow through the heat 

exchanger and into the vent system. 

(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2) AHRI 

recommended that the test procedure 

should continue to use a minimum 


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30As of the date of issuance of this NOPR, DOE 

has not received any additional information from 

AHRI. 

31Provided to DOE in 2002 by the National 

Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 

32 Verification of absolutely no flow through 

combustion chamber and heat exchanger is left to 

the discretion of ‘‘the one testing’’ (typically the 

manufacturer or testing agency), as set forth in 

sections 8.8.3 and 9.10 of ASHRAE 103–1993 and 

ASHRAE 103–2007. 

33Per sections 8.8.2 (Optional Tracer Gas Method 

for Determining Draft Factors DP and DF for Systems 

Equipped with Power Burners or Direct Vent) and 

9.7 (Optional Tracer Gas Method for Determining 

Draft Factors DP, DF, and DS for Systems Equipped 

with Power Burners or Direct Vent and Not 

Equipped with Stack Dampers) of ASHRAE 103– 

2007. 

default draft factor for products with 

restricted flueways. AHRI also requested 

that DOE consider identifying 

conditions under which the minimum 

default draft factor can be applied. AHRI 

additionally recommended that DOE 

consider revising the default draft factor 

value and reevaluating the tracer gas 

method, and it offered to provide 

information on some of these additional 

items based on experience obtained 

from their efficiency certification 

program.30 (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 4) 

DOE tested several furnaces and 

boilers and used the measured mass 

flow rate to calculate DF. The calculated 

DF ranged from 0.05 to 0.16 for five 

tested furnace models and from 0.15 to 

1.00 for three tested boilers equipped 

with power burners or direct venting 

capabilities. DOE also analyzed data 

from manufacturer testing conducted in 

2001 31 for 10 two-stage or modulating 

furnaces, which showed that DF varied 

from 0.05 to 0.22. Although it appears 

that the data support lower default 

factors for DF (i.e., the direction taken by 

ASHRAE), the development of entirely 

new default draft factors would require 

a larger representative sample than the 

data from the available test results. 

Therefore, DOE has tentatively 

concluded that the test data are not 

sufficient to support revising the default 

draft factors at this time. DOE did not 

receive comments from stakeholders 

regarding default values for DS and DS

O. 

Neither ASHRAE 103–1993 nor 

ASHRAE 103–2007 explain the 

derivation of the fixed default values 

when provided for these terms. In cases 

where default values for DS and DS

O are 

not used, these values are dependent on 

DF, which, as discussed previously, 

DOE does not propose to change. 

Therefore, DOE tentatively proposes to 

adopt the default draft values as defined 

in ASHRAE 103–2007, which are 

unchanged from the existing DOE test 

procedure. 

Additionally, DOE recognizes that 

stakeholders have indicated that they 

are interested in the test procedure 

providing better direction as to how to 

determine whether a boiler model 

design and/or performance would 

qualify the boiler to use the minimum 

default draft factor of 0.05 (i.e., for units 

with no airflow through the combustion 

chamber and heat exchanger).32 Two 

separate, but related, sections of the 

DOE test procedure address the 

conditions required for use of this 

minimum default draft factor. 

Specifically, section 8.8.3 of ASHRAE 

103–1993, which is incorporated by 

reference into the DOE test procedure 

for residential furnaces and boilers, 

states that ‘‘on units whose design is 

such that there is absolutely no chance 

for airflow . . ., DF and DP may be set 

equal to 0.05.’’ Similarly, section 9.10 of 

ASHRAE 103–1993, which is also 

incorporated by reference in the DOE 

test procedure, states that ‘‘for units 

designed with no measurable airflow 

. . ., DF and DP may be set equal to 

0.05.’’ DOE agrees that the existing DOE 

test procedure lacks specificity in terms 

of determining whether a boiler design 

allows for no measurable airflow 

through the combustion chamber and 

heat exchanger during the burner offperiod. Without such details, it is 

unclear to DOE how the manufacturers 

of residential boilers determine whether 

a particular model satisfies this 

criterion. 

Upon further inquiry, it is DOE’s 

understanding that the commonly used 

test to prove ‘‘no flow’’ is based on 

tracer gas testing and/or identification of 

designs that ensure no chance of 

airflow. However, experience with the 

tracer gas testing applied to these types 

of product designs indicates that the 

tracer gas method does not produce 

consistent and repeatable results for 

very low to no-flow conditions. In 

addition, DOE is not aware of any 

existing design characteristics that 

provide for ‘‘absolutely’’ no chance of 

airflow. 

DOE has not found a consistent and 

widely accepted test method to 

determine whether the use of the 

minimum default draft factor value is 

appropriate for a given model. To 

address this issue, DOE considered 

retaining the existing language in 

conjunction with the following 

methods: 

(a) Define design characteristics 

which ensure no flow through the 

combustion chamber and heat 

exchanger; 

(b) Use of commonly applied tracer 

gas method; 

(c) Smoke stick protocol; and 

(d) A combination of (b) and (c). 

DOE considered defining product 

design characteristics, such as 

downflow heat exchangers and 

availability of combustion intake 

dampers, which would be used for 

identifying products, which meet the 

requirements of sections 8.8.3 and 9.10 

of ASHRAE 103. However, DOE 

understands that identified design 

characteristics do not always guarantee 

that there will be no chance of 

measurable airflow through the 

combustion chamber and heat 

exchanger when the burner is off. 

DOE also considered the use of the 

existing tracer gas test. As addressed in 

the previous discussion, in instances 

where the measured DP is less than 0.1, 

DP can be set at 0.05. Based on testing 

experience, DOE understands that the 

tracer gas test is often inaccurate at 

flows lower than a DP of 0.1 and, 

therefore, may not provide clear 

evidence of the absence of flow. 

After considering the alternatives, 

DOE proposes to incorporate a test 

based on the use of a smoke stick. The 

proposed test protocol would establish 

the absence of flow through the heat 

exchanger using a smoke stick device 

for products designed with no 

measurable airflow. If the smoke from 

the stick passes by the combustion air 

intake without visual disturbance, then 

it indicates that there is no measurable 

airflow through the heat exchanger. If 

the smoke from the stick is visually 

induced into the combustion air intake, 

then it indicates that there is measurable 

airflow through the heat exchanger. The 

smoke stick test is not intended to 

quantify the volume of air moving 

through the heat exchanger. If the smoke 

stick test indicates that there is an 

absence of flow through the heat 

exchanger, the use of the minimum 

default factor would be allowed (per 

sections 8.8.3 and 9.10 of incorporated 

ASHRAE Standard 103). In the event 

that the smoke stick test indicates the 

presence of airflow, the use of the 

optional tracer gas test 33 would be 

required for determining a draft factor 

value other than the default draft factor 

as specified in Table 6 of ASHRAE 103– 

2007. 

Additionally, DOE proposes to 

include revisions to the incorporated 

requirements of sections 8.8.3 and 9.10 

of ASHRAE 103–2007, specifically to 

accommodate the use of the smoke stick 

test and to eliminate use of the term 

‘‘absolutely’’ in sections 8.8.3 and 9.7.4. 

See proposed sections 7.12, 8.10, and 

8.11 of 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, 

appendix N for the detailed test protocol 

and language revisions. 


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34A multiposition furnace is a furnace that can 

be installed in more than one airflow configuration 

(e.g., upflow or horizontal; downflow or horizontal; 

and upflow, downflow or horizontal). 

35See section III.E.5 of this notice for an example 

of how reproducibility is affected by the allowed 

tolerances. 

7. AFUE Reporting Precision 

DOE’s existing furnaces and boilers 

test procedure specifies that the AFUE 

rating be rounded to the nearest whole 

percentage point (see 10 CFR 

430.23(n)(2)). In the January 2013 RFI, 

DOE sought comment on how much 

precision is statistically possible when 

reporting AFUE. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 

2013). 

Lennox, Carrier, Rheem, and AHRI 

commented that the AFUE rating should 

be reported to the nearest tenth of a 

percent. (Lennox, No. 6 at p. 3; Carrier, 

No. 7 at p. 2; Rheem, No. 12 at p. 9; 

AHRI, No. 13 at p. 5) Rheem added that 

furnaces listed in the AHRI Directory 

report AFUE values at this level of 

specificity. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 9) AHRI 

stated that rounding AFUE values to the 

nearest tenth of a percent has been 

common industry practice for furnaces 

and boilers, and it provides a sufficient 

level of accuracy to distinguish models 

that have different efficiencies. (AHRI, 

No. 13 at p. 5) 

DOE understands that reporting AFUE 

values to the nearest tenth of a percent 

has been common industry practice for 

furnaces and boilers. DOE agrees with 

stakeholders that reporting AFUE values 

to the nearest tenth of a percent will 

provide a sufficient level of precision to 

distinguish models that have different 

efficiencies. Therefore, DOE proposes to 

update the existing requirement for 

residential furnaces and boilers to report 

AFUE to the nearest tenth of a 

percentage point. 

8. Duct Work for Units That Are 

Installed Without a Return Duct 

Section 7.2.1 of ASHRAE 103–1993, 

incorporated by reference in the existing 

DOE test procedure, specifies use of a 

return duct for all furnaces according to 

Figure 1 and Figure 2 in section 7.2.1. 

During DOE’s furnace and boiler testing, 

it was observed that there could be some 

ambiguity about testing requirements for 

units that manufacturers have designed 

to be installed without a return duct. To 

eliminate such ambiguity, DOE 

proposes to add a provision in the test 

procedure clarifying that the return 

(inlet) duct is not required during 

testing for units intended to be installed 

without a return duct, according to the 

manufacturer’s I&O manual. 

9. Testing Requirements for 

Multiposition Configurations 

The current DOE test procedure does 

not specify the testing requirements for 

multiposition furnaces.34 During DOE’s 

furnace and boiler testing, DOE 

observed ambiguity in testing 

requirements for multiposition furnaces, 

regarding which furnace orientation to 

use during testing and how to test the 

unit if there is no open inlet. Testing the 

furnace in different configurations (i.e., 

upflow, downflow, or horizontal) often 

results in different AFUE ratings. In 

addition, some multiposition furnaces 

might be shipped without an open inlet. 

Instead, there may be perforated metal 

cutouts blocking the inlet options that 

correspond to the available installation 

configurations. In some cases, DOE 

understands that testing facilities 

remove the blower access door and use 

it as an inlet instead of one of the inlet 

configurations, even though the DOE 

test procedure does not provide this 

option. Using the blower access door 

opening on sealed cabinets preserves 

the value of the test unit and reduces 

the length of the set-up time. 

To reduce ambiguity, DOE proposes 

to require that multiposition furnaces be 

tested using, at a minimum, the leastefficient position. DOE is also expressly 

allowing manufacturers to test 

multiposition furnaces in other 

configurations in addition to the least 

efficient if they wish. DOE understands 

that currently, most multiposition 

models are already tested using multiple 

configurations because the existing DOE 

test procedure has different 

requirements and test setup for each 

configuration, which can result in 

different AFUE ratings. Therefore, DOE 

believes that in most cases, there would 

be no additional testing burden to the 

manufacturer associated with this 

clarification. DOE notes that, under this 

proposal, the manufacturer must either: 

(1) represent the efficiency of each of 

the various configurations using the 

AFUE of the least-efficient configuration 

and certify them pursuant to the 

requirements in 10 CFR part 429 or (2) 

test and certify the various 

configurations pursuant to the 

requirements in 10 CFR part 429. 

Regarding multiposition furnaces not 

shipped with an open inlet, DOE 

proposes to allow testing of the unit 

using only the blower access door. This 

testing approach allows the value of the 

test unit to be preserved and reduces the 

length of the set-up time. 

D. Tolerances on Test Conditions and 

Measurements 

In the RFI, DOE requested comment 

as to whether the existing statistical 

variability of AFUE is acceptable. 78 FR 

675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013). The statistical 

variability within the test procedure 

depends on the permissible variations 

in test conditions (room ambient 

temperature, return water temperature, 

and product hourly Btu nameplate input 

rating) and the existing equipment 

measurement error associated with the 

measurement of variables (such as firing 

rate, heating media temperatures, flow 

rates, fuel calorific value, weight of 

condensate, water flow and 

temperature, voltage, and flue gas 

composition). DOE sought comment and 

received input on whether the existing 

tolerance ranges for test conditions and 

statistical variability in the test 

procedure are acceptable or whether 

DOE should define different methods of 

measuring and recording such variables. 

The DOE test procedure allows for 

variations in certain test conditions. 

While these conditions do not directly 

impact the accuracy of the of the test 

method, they may impact the 

reproducibility of the AFUE results 

determined under the range of allowable 

test conditions.35

Rheem commented that the firing rate 

varies with run time; having a wider 

tolerance ensures that a sample furnace 

may be set at an appropriate rate at the 

beginning of a test and stay within the 

tolerance for the duration of the test. 

(Rheem, No. 12 at p. 7) Lennox added 

that any additional narrowing of the 

firing rate tolerance range from ±2% 

could cause the product to drift out of 

range while conducting the steady-state, 

heat-up, and cyclic condensate 

collection tests. According to Lennox, 

variations in gas valve performance can 

cause gas manifold pressures to vary 

slightly over time while conducting the 

test, thereby affecting the firing rate. 

(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2) Several of the 

stakeholders reiterated that DOE should 

only consider changing tolerances if 

DOE has data supporting the change. 

(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2, Carrier, No. 7 at 

p. 1, Rheem, No. 12 at p. 7, AHRI, No. 

13 at p. 3) NRDC commented that 

permissible variations for tests can be 

used, from a positive perspective, to 

avoid the need to control arbitrary 

conditions in an overly tight or an 

overly expensive way, or they can be 

used, from a negative perspective, as a 

way of influencing the results by 

choosing the end of the tolerance range 

that gives the best AFUE. The 

commenter stated that DOE should 

review existing certifications to make 

sure that the latter is not happening, and 

tighten the permissible variation ranges 

if it is. (NRDC, No. 14 at p. 1) Other 


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36 Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio (IEER) is a 

metric that integrates cooling part-load EER 

efficiency for commercial unitary air conditioning 

and heat pump equipment on the basis of weighted 

operation at various load capacities for the 

equipment. 

stakeholders (NRCan, APGA, AHRI, 

Carrier, Lennox, Crown Boiler, APGA, 

and Energy Kinetics) also commented 

on this issue regarding specific 

variables, such as room ambient air 

conditions and boiler supply and return 

water temperature ranges. 

DOE has addressed room ambient air 

conditions and boiler supply and return 

water temperature ranges in sections 

III.E.5 and III.E.7 of this notice. For 

product hourly Btu nameplate input 

rating, DOE agrees with Lennox that the 

variation in gas valve performance does 

not allow further narrowing of the 

tolerance range. Additionally, there are 

no data to support such a change. 

Therefore, DOE has decided not to 

propose changes to the allowable 

tolerance range on firing rate because of 

the increased manufacturer burden. 

On the subject of the appropriateness 

of the existing test procedure tolerances 

on measured variables, AHRI, Rheem, 

Carrier, and Lennox all stated that they 

believe the existing tolerances for 

measured variables such as fuel calorific 

value, weight of condensate, water flow 

and temperature, voltage, flue gas 

composition, firing rate, heating media 

temperatures and flow rates, and 

ambient air temperatures are acceptable. 

(AHRI, No. 13 at p. 3; Rheem No. 12 at 

p. 7; Carrier, No. 7 at p. 1; Lennox, No. 

6 at p. 2) 

To establish the overall uncertainty of 

the test procedure, DOE developed an 

analytical tool that determines the 

AFUE of residential furnaces and boilers 

based on ASHRAE 103–1993 provisions. 

The methodology applies Monte Carlo 

simulations that use distributions of 

values for all variables with defined 

measurement error. The tool is 

implemented as a computer spreadsheet 

with an add-on program to perform 

10,000 iterations of the simulation. The 

parameter uncertainty ranges were 

defined based on the tolerances 

specified in section 5 and section 8.6.1.3 

(jacket loss) of ASHRAE 103–1993 and 

ASHRAE 103–2007, which are 

incorporated by reference or are 

proposed to be incorporated by 

reference, respectively, in the DOE test 

procedure. 

Table 1 provides a summary of the 

maximum standard deviations by 

product type, using the existing DOE 

test procedure. For the models tested, 

AFUE uncertainty ranged from 0.1 (for 

modulating condensing boilers) to 0.4 

(for single-stage non-condensing 

boilers). Detailed results of the 

uncertainty analysis are presented in the 

Testing Report, which can be found in 

the docket for this rulemaking. 

TABLE 1—UNCERTAINTY ON AFUE BY PRODUCT TYPE, BASED ON EXISTING DOE TEST PROCEDURE

Control type 

Boilers Furnaces 

Noncondensing Condensing Noncondensing Condensing 

Single-stage (1) ............................................................................................... 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.3 

Two-stage (2) ................................................................................................... 0.2 ........................ 0.3 0.3 

Modulating (3) .................................................................................................. ........................ 0.2 0.3 0.3 

Based on DOE’s analysis of the 

uncertainty associated with AFUE and 

stakeholder input, DOE agrees that, 

overall, the tolerances as specified 

within the existing DOE test procedure 

(section 5 of 10 CFR part 430, subpart 

B, appendix N) allow for an acceptable 

level of uncertainty. Considering 

stakeholders’ input, the lack of data 

supporting any other specific changes to 

the existing tolerances, and the results 

of the uncertainty analysis, DOE 

proposes no modifications to any of the 

measurement tolerances in the existing 

test procedure. 

E. Other Test Procedure Considerations 

1. Electrical Consumption for 

Modulating Products 

In the January 2013 RFI, DOE 

considered incorporating a method to 

measure part-load efficiency for 

modulating products with variablespeed motors. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 

2013). Modulating units are often 

equipped with electronically 

commutated motors that allow for 

variable-speed operation of circulating 

blowers and pumps and combustion 

blowers. Motor efficiency changes as a 

function of partial loading (operation at 

speeds other than the nominal speed), 

which occurs as a result of a change in 

firing rate. These types of motors 

consume less energy when the product 

is functioning at lower speeds (i.e., 

reduced firing rates). However, for 

modulating units, ASHRAE 103–1993 

and ASHRAE 103–2007 assume that 

motors always operate at the settings for 

the maximum input rate during the 

modulating mode. Including a method 

for determining the part-load electricity 

consumption into the total electricity 

consumption calculations for 

modulating equipment could improve 

the accuracy of the electricity 

consumption calculations for 

modulating products. 

Carrier, Rheem, and AHRI all opposed 

incorporating in the proposed test 

procedure a method for calculating partload motor efficiency into its electricity 

consumption calculations. Carrier stated 

that motor efficiency is fairly constant 

within the useable operating range and 

that the benefits attendant to adding 

part-load efficiency provisions is not 

worth complicating the calculations. 

(Carrier, No. 7 at p. 2) Rheem 

commented that the existing test 

procedure does not assume a fixed 

motor efficiency: the EAE (average 

annual auxiliary electrical energy 

consumption) has always been a partload efficiency descriptor because it 

applies to multistage products such as 

modulating furnaces. Rheem argued that 

expanding EAE to include four levels of 

operations, similar to the approach used 

by IEER,36 would require double the 

testing. Rheem does not believe that this 

added level of complexity would 

provide consumers with information 

that would help them to make more 

informed product purchase decisions. 

(Rheem, No. 12 at p. 10) AHRI 

recommended DOE not consider the 

issue of part-load efficiency because the 

proposed approach would not provide a 

significantly improved consumption 

calculation, and would only amount to 

a minor change to an electrical 

consumption value that is already 

insignificant compared to the total 

furnace or boiler energy consumption. 

(AHRI, No. 13 at p. 5) Lennox 

commented that incorporating an 

additional testing method beyond that 

in the incorporated ASHRAE 103–2007 

could impose an undue burden on 

manufacturers without providing a 

significant benefit to the customer, as 

the electrical consumption is a small 


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12888 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules 

37See section 11.2.11 (CJ) and 11.2.8.1 (K) of 

ASHRAE 103–1993, which are incorporated by 

reference in the DOE test procedure. 

38According to Rheem’s results, which report 

measured jacket losses averaging of 0.3 to 0.4 

percent compared to the default value of 1 percent. 

39Under 42 U.S.C. 6291(a)(20), ‘‘[t]he term 

‘annual fuel utilization efficiency’ means the 

efficiency descriptor for furnaces and boilers, 

determined using test procedures prescribed under 

section 6293 of this title and based on the 

assumption that all— 

(A) weatherized warm air furnaces or boilers are 

located out-of-doors; 

(B) warm air furnaces which are not weatherized 

are located indoors and all combustion and 

ventilation air is admitted through grills or ducts 

from the outdoors and does not communicate with 

air in the conditioned space; and 

(C) boilers which are not weatherized are located 

within the heated space.’’ 

percentage of the overall energy 

consumption for a furnace, and even 

more so for furnaces that incorporate 

modulating power burners. (Lennox, 

No. 6 at p. 3) NRCan stated that the test 

procedure should incorporate 

measurement of electrical energy used 

by power burners and circulating 

pumps in modulating appliances as part 

of a ‘‘connected load’’ during active 

mode testing, rather than developing 

and incorporating a new part-load motor 

efficiency calculation. (NRCan, No. 15 at 

p. 4) 

Modifying the method to include partload testing (in addition to the required 

testing at full and reduced-load 

operation) for determining the 

electricity consumption for modulating 

products would result in a minor 

improvement of the accuracy of the 

electricity consumption calculations. 

However, incorporating part-load 

electricity consumption testing for 

modulating products would require a 

significant amount of additional testing 

in the modulating mode of operation. 

Therefore, DOE has tentatively 

concluded that including additional 

provisions for part-load testing for 

modulating products would impose an 

undue burden on manufacturers 

without providing a significant benefit 

to the customer. Thus, DOE does not 

propose to modify the existing method 

for determining the electricity 

consumption for modulating products. 

2. Jacket Loss and Jacket Loss Factors 

DOE’s January 2013 RFI also 

requested feedback on parameters that 

account for heat losses through the 

furnace or boiler jacket, including: (1) 

An overall jacket loss value (LJ), which 

is either assigned a value of 1.0 percent 

or determined in accordance with 8.6 of 

ASHRAE 103–1993; and (2) the default 

factors that adjust the LJ based on 

installation location—jacket loss factor 

(CJ) and the factor that adjusts jacket 

losses measured in the laboratory to 

those that would be measured under 

outdoor design conditions (K).37 78 FR 

675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013). 

Ingersoll Rand argued that the testing 

burden can be reduced by improving 

jacket loss default values. (Ingersoll 

Rand, No. 8 at p. 1) Rheem stated that 

the existing default jacket loss value is 

too high, and that a value more 

representative of the results of an actual 

jacket loss test may eliminate the need 

for this test. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2) 

Rheem stated that testing of current 

production furnaces indicates jacket 

losses (LJ) in the range of 0.3 to 0.4, far 

below the default value of 1.0. (Rheem, 

No. 12 at p. 2) AHRI also stated that the 

default jacket loss value for furnaces 

may be twice as high as the typical 

jacket loss of current models. (AHRI, 

No. 13 at p. 2) 

Several stakeholders indicated that 

applying the existing jacket loss default 

factors may result in an overestimation 

of the AFUE rating of furnaces and 

boilers. NRCan commented that the 

definition of the permitted default jacket 

loss value and jacket loss factors should 

be re-examined to ensure that jacket 

losses from furnaces and boilers are 

accurately calculated and reflect the 

way that those products are typically 

installed in residential applications. 

NRCan also stated that DOE should 

clarify and review the definitions for 

‘‘isolated combustion system,’’ ‘‘direct 

vent system,’’ and ‘‘systems intended to 

be installed indoors’’ to ensure that the 

definitions unambiguously lead to and 

clearly identify the appropriate jacket 

loss factors for residential furnaces and 

boilers. In addition, NRCan stated that 

the jacket loss factor (CJ) for nonweatherized boilers should not be set to 

zero. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 2&3) NRDC 

suggested that DOE pursue 

conservatively chosen default factors, 

which would result in lower AFUE 

values that are more representative of 

the majority of real world situations. 

(NRDC, No. 14 at p. 1) Energy Kinetics 

indicated that steady-state jacket losses, 

which can range from 2 percent to 6 

percent, are not accounted for in the 

AFUE rating and, therefore, could 

encourage manufacturers to minimally 

insulate boilers, which may contribute 

to inflated AFUE values. Energy 

Kinetics stated that DOE, as 

demonstrated by its test procedure and 

energy conservation standard, assumes 

that these losses contribute to heating 

the home, but in most instances, boilers 

are not located within the heated living 

space, so jacket losses are efficiency 

losses. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 2) 

DOE understands that determining 

jacket loss through testing presents a 

testing burden for manufacturers. The 

existing test procedure sets the default 

jacket loss value at 1 percent. Rheem 

and AHRI reported that the jacket losses 

determined through testing are about 

half the default value, which for nonweatherized furnaces represents an 

AFUE increase of up to 1.2 percent 38

when using the measured value as 

compared to using the default value. 

Based on available test data, DOE has 

tentatively concluded that changing the 

jacket loss default value would be 

inappropriate at this time. DOE tested a 

number of residential furnaces and 

boilers according to the test methods 

prescribed in section 7 of the DOE test 

procedure and used the resulting 

measurements to calculate LJ, which 

ranged from 0.360 to 0.776 for the five 

furnace models tested. The 2001 

manufacturer test data provided by 

NIST for 16 two-stage or modulating 

furnaces showed this value to range 

from 0.112 to 0.750. In DOE’s view, 

there are not enough data to represent 

the more than 5,000 furnace and boiler 

models with diverse design 

characteristics currently on the market, 

and a larger, statistically representative 

market sample would be needed for 

DOE to consider such a major change. 

The preparation of such a sample would 

require a significant amount of 

manufacturer input that was not 

available for this notice. Therefore, DOE 

does not propose changing the existing 

default value for the jacket loss at this 

time. 

The existing DOE test procedure 

identifies default jacket loss factors CJ

and K based on product type (nonweatherized furnaces, non-weatherized 

boilers, and weatherized furnaces and 

boilers) and the assumed intended 

installation location. NRCan, NRDC, and 

Energy Kinetics commented that the 

values for these factors should be 

reevaluated on the basis that installation 

location assumptions within the 

existing test procedure do not reflect the 

way that those products are typically 

installed in residential applications. 

(NRCan, No. 15 at pp. 2–3; NRDC, No. 

14 at p. 1; Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 

2) The installation locations associated 

with each product type are as 

established by the statute 39 and cannot 

be changed by DOE. Therefore, DOE is 

not proposing any changes to the 

existing default values for the jacket loss 

factors. 


Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules 12889 

40Section 8.0 of Appendix N to Subpart B of Part 

430, which refers to ASHRAE 103–1993, sections 

9.5, 9.6; and section 10 of Appendix N, which refers 

to ASHRAE 103–1993, sections 11.2.9.4—11.2.9.8. 

3. Use of Default Seasonal Factors To 

Replace ‘‘Heat-Up’’ and ‘‘Cool-Down’’ 

Tests 

During the heat-up and cool-down 

tests, flue gas temperatures are 

measured at various time intervals 

throughout the test. These 

measurements are used when 

determining the impact of the cyclic 

conditions on AFUE. Several terms in 

the AFUE calculation are dependent on 

the measurements from the heat-up and 

cool-down tests. The use of default 

seasonal factors may reduce overall 

manufacturer test burden by making the 

‘‘heat-up’’ and ‘‘cool-down’’ tests (and 

their associated calculations) 

unnecessary. In the January 2013 RFI, 

DOE requested input from stakeholders 

as to whether such default factors are a 

feasible alternative to testing and 

whether such factors correlate to the 

physical characteristics of the product. 

78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013). 

AHRI recommended that DOE 

consider replacing the heat-up and cooldown tests with default seasonal factors. 

(AHRI, No. 13 at p. 2) Both Lennox and 

Rheem stated that they were in favor of 

replacing the heat-up and cool-down 

tests with seasonal default factors to 

reduce the test burden. (Lennox, No. 6 

at p. 1; Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2) Lennox 

agreed that the physical characteristics 

of the product may have a bearing on 

the heat-up and cool-down test values 

and their effect on the AFUE. (Lennox, 

No. 6 at p. 1) Rheem suggested that data 

from the heat-up test show a difference 

between condensing and noncondensing furnaces in the calculated 

value of AFUE. In contrast, Rheem also 

stated that data from the cool-down test 

do not show a difference between 

condensing and non-condensing 

furnaces and, in general, the cool-down 

test has a minimal effect on AFUE. 

(Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2) Rheem 

recommended separate default values 

for CTON (heat-up temperature profile 

correction factor for the effect of 

cycling) and CTOFF (cool-down 

temperature profile correction factor for 

the effect of cycling) for both noncondensing and condensing products: 

0.9 for CTON and 0.9 for CTOFF for noncondensing products, and 0.6 for CTON

and 0.9 for CTOFF for condensing 

products. Rheem provided a statistical 

summary that showed low variability of 

cool-down and heat-up results in their 

testing and suggested DOE allow the use 

of default factors for CTON and CTOFF. 

In DOE’s view, replacing CTON and 

CTOFF with default values would 

simplify the AFUE calculation. 

However, DOE cannot establish 

representative default values for CTON

and CTOFF for all covered units based on 

data from only one manufacturer’s 

products. Additionally, these two 

parameters are only two calculated 

values among several that depend on 

the time-temperature values measured 

during the cool-down and heat-up 

tests.40 Completely eliminating the heatup and cool-down would require 

replacing all of these values with default 

values. Therefore, DOE tentatively 

concludes that it cannot justify 

replacing the heat-up and cool-down 

tests with default factors. 

4. Calculation Simplification for Burner 

Cycling and Draft Losses 

In the January 2013 RFI, DOE 

requested comment on whether 

simplifying the calculation for 

determining the burner cycling and 

draft losses used to compute seasonal 

efficiency is a viable alternative to 

testing, and whether or not such a 

simplification would result in a less 

precise assessment of the efficiency 

rating. 78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013). 

AHRI recommended that DOE try to 

simplify the calculation procedure for 

determining the burner cycling and 

draft losses. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 2) 

Lennox likewise stated support for 

DOE’s efforts in simplifying the 

calculation procedure for determining 

the burner cycling and draft losses. 

(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2) Rheem suggested 

that, based on the minimal variation in 

CTON and CTOFF, default values would 

be acceptable to use in place of 

performance testing. (Rheem, No. 12 at 

p. 3) However, Rheem recommended 

that non-condensing and condensing 

products should have different default 

values for CTON. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 3) 

Although stakeholder comments 

indicate agreement with simplification 

of the calculation process, data are 

required to substantiate a change to the 

values. Given the lack of proposed 

simplifications and supporting data, 

DOE does not propose to simplify the 

calculation for determining the burner 

cycling and draft losses at this time. 

5. Room Ambient Air Temperature and 

Humidity Ranges 

The DOE test procedure for 

residential furnaces and boilers set forth 

in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix 

N, which currently incorporates by 

reference ASHRAE 103–1993, includes 

a steady-state and a cyclic condensate 

collection test for modulating and twostage condensing furnaces and boilers. 

The amount of condensate produced, 

which captures the latent energy of the 

flue gases, is a major determinant of 

AFUE for condensing products but is 

sensitive to the humidity and 

temperature of the room ambient air. 

Under the existing DOE test procedure, 

the room temperature may not fall 

below 65 °F or exceed 100 °F, except for 

condensing furnaces and boilers, for 

which the room temperature may not 

exceed 85 °F. Additionally, the existing 

test procedure specifies a maximum 

relative humidity limit of 80 percent. To 

improve the comparability of AFUE for 

models tested under different 

conditions within the allowable range of 

room ambient conditions, DOE 

considered revisions to these conditions 

as set forth in the current DOE test 

procedure. In particular, in the RFI, 

DOE requested comment as to the 

appropriateness of tightening the 

allowable room air temperature range. 

78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013). Several 

stakeholders provided comments in 

response to this request. 

NRCan stated that the ambient room 

temperature tolerance for testing 

condensing furnaces should be 

tightened. NRCan stated that in the DOE 

test procedure for water heaters, the 

ambient air temperature is required to 

be maintained between 65.0 °F and 

70.0 °F (18.3 °C and 21.1 °C) on a 

continuous basis. An ambient 

temperature range from 65 °F to 85 °F, 

as currently permitted for condensing 

furnaces and boilers, might be too wide, 

resulting in greater variation of AFUE 

for models tested under different 

temperature conditions. (NRCan, No. 15 

at p 1–2) APGA stated that a furnace test 

may produce higher AFUE results 

during a hot summer day; to aid 

customers in comparing products, the 

testing conditions (with regards to 

ambient air temperature) should be 

similar. (APGA, No. 5 at p. 2) 

Carrier supported consideration of a 

narrower window for allowable room air 

temperature range, provided that the 

low temperature limit is not increased 

above 65 °F. (Carrier, No. 7 at p. 1) AHRI 

commented that the topic merits 

consideration but also that DOE must 

recognize that any tightening of the 

range may either require test facility 

changes to control temperature or limit 

a manufacturer to conducting this test 

only during certain times of the year 

when the outside ambient conditions 

allow the test facility to be within the 

specified range. AHRI suggested that if 

DOE’s inclination is to tighten this 

range, this consideration should include 

the option of a mathematical correction 

to adjust results when a test is 

conducted with the room temperature 


Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS3
12890 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules 

41See http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/

1991-2005/tmy3/. 

outside the specified range. (AHRI, 

No.13 at p. 3) 

Lennox similarly commented that 

tightening the allowable ambient air 

temperature range may require some test 

facilities to implement test facility 

temperature control. In the case of noncondensing furnaces, this would prove 

costly and burdensome to 

manufacturers while providing little 

value to consumers, because AFUE is 

not significantly impacted by ambient 

room temperatures for such products. 

(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2) 

The AFUE of condensing boilers is 

also affected by room ambient humidity 

ratio because the amount of condensate 

produced depends in part on the 

moisture content of the ambient air: The 

higher the humidity ratio, the more 

condensate is available from which a 

boiler can extract heat. Crown Boiler 

stated that the current humidity limit 

significantly increases the amount of 

condensate a condensing boiler can 

collect compared to what is 

theoretically possible under typical 

operating conditions. Crown Boiler 

stated that most residential condensing 

boilers are designed so that they can be 

directly vented to outside the home; in 

addition, AFUE is currently calculated 

based on venting using outdoor air at a 

temperature assumed to be 42 °F. Based 

on this, in Crown Boiler’s view, the 

upper limit for humidity for testing 

condensing boilers should be the 

humidity ratio at 100 percent relative 

humidity at 42 °F. According to Crown 

Boiler, this equates to a room humidity 

of slightly more than 20 percent at the 

current maximum allowable 85 °F 

ambient temperature. Limiting the 

relative humidity would help to ensure 

that the testing conditions accurately 

reflect the assumptions made in the test 

procedure calculations. However, 

Crown Boiler also stated that the 

decision to limit room humidity should 

not be taken lightly, as it could create 

a significant new test burden for 

manufacturers who may need to 

construct environmental chambers in 

order to continue performing AFUE 

testing during humid weather. Given the 

burden associated with restricting room 

humidity, Crown Boiler requested that 

even if such changes prove warranted 

for condensing boilers, DOE should not 

change the limitations for room 

humidity for furnaces or noncondensing boilers, unless there are data 

to justify such a change for these types 

of products. Crown Boiler stated that the 

imposition of this burden may be 

justified for condensing boilers in order 

to ensure that the energy performance is 

more accurately represented in the 

marketplace. Crown Boiler stated that it 

would also support the adoption of a 

computational technique for correcting 

results from testing done at higher 

relative humidity (RH) levels back to a 

standard RH that can be realistically 

expected in the field. (Crown Boiler, No. 

9 at pp. 1–2) 

AHRI stated that DOE should give 

careful consideration before amending 

the DOE test procedure to specify a 

relative humidity range. AHRI also 

recommended that mathematical 

corrections should be taken into 

consideration in lieu of tightening the 

room air humidity range. (AHRI, No. 13 

at p. 3) 

The stakeholder comments discussed 

two options for addressing the room 

ambient conditions during testing: (a) 

Introduce a mathematical correction 

methodology that normalizes 

condensate production during the AFUE 

test to a standard set of ambient 

conditions while retaining the existing 

ambient temperature ranges and (b) 

further restrict temperature and 

humidity ranges during testing. 

DOE investigated the impact of 

ambient conditions on AFUE of noncondensing units by testing one noncondensing furnace and one noncondensing boiler under several sets of 

ambient conditions. Based on the testing 

results, DOE concluded that the room 

ambient air temperature and humidity 

do not have a statistically significant 

impact on the AFUE of non-condensing 

furnaces and boilers. (See Testing 

Report.) Therefore, for non-condensing 

products, DOE has tentatively decided 

not to propose revisions to the existing 

ambient temperature and humidity 

ranges. 

To evaluate the impact of varying 

room ambient conditions on condensing 

product efficiency, DOE conducted 

eight separate AFUE tests on one 

modulating condensing boiler and one 

two-stage condensing furnace (four tests 

per unit) based on the existing DOE test 

procedure. For the tested furnace model, 

the AFUE difference between the tests 

conducted at varying ambient 

conditions shows that AFUE may vary 

as much as 2.3 percent. This variation 

in AFUE is greater than the uncertainty 

associated with the measurement error 

and is attributed to changes in ambient 

conditions between the tests. For the 

tested boiler model, the test results 

show that the AFUE of the tests 

conducted at varying ambient 

conditions are within the overall 

measurement uncertainty; therefore, the 

variation in AFUE cannot be attributed 

to changes in ambient conditions based 

on the data. The details of the test 

results can be found in the Testing 

Report. 

DOE investigated a computational 

method for normalizing condensate 

mass to a set of standard ambient 

conditions in order to limit the 

variability in reported AFUE from tests 

conducted at various ambient 

temperatures and humidity levels. To 

assess the validity of the normalization 

methodology, DOE utilized the test data 

from the eight AFUE tests performed at 

different temperature and humidity 

conditions. 

Applying the normalization approach 

to the test data resulted in significant 

differences in the calculated AFUE 

values at different room ambient 

conditions, particularly for the furnace 

models. DOE conducted a statistical 

evaluation to determine whether the 

differences in the adjusted AFUE values 

at different room ambient conditions 

can be solely attributed to measurement 

tolerances. For the statistical evaluation, 

DOE assumed that only two factors 

impacted condensate collection: Room 

ambient conditions and measurement 

accuracy. Based on the results from the 

statistical evaluation, which are 

described in the Testing Report, DOE 

concluded that the normalization 

methodology does not eliminate the 

variability of AFUE due to the room 

ambient conditions. 

Based on the analyzed test data and 

the outcome of the statistical test, the 

normalization approach appears to be 

ineffective. Therefore, DOE is not 

proposing to implement a mathematical 

approach for normalizing condensate 

production to a standard set of 

conditions during the AFUE test. 

Alternatively, DOE assessed whether 

to further restrict the currently required 

room temperature and humidity ranges 

during testing. To determine whether 

narrowing the admissible range of 

ambient conditions would impact the 

ability of the test facility to perform 

testing, DOE assessed the average 

ambient conditions (dry-bulb 

temperature and relative humidity) 

using Typical Meteorological Year 3 

(TMY3) data 41 for all TMY weather 

stations across the United States. The 

results of this assessment, which are 

included in the Testing Report, show 

that 75 percent of the stations currently 

within the allowable range would fall 

outside the considered restricted 

allowable range of ambient test 

conditions. Based on this assessment, 

DOE agrees with AHRI, Lennox, and 

Crown Boiler that tightening the 

allowable ambient air temperature and 

humidity range may force some test 

facilities that currently do not use 


Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules 12891 

42 ‘‘Oversize factor’’ accounts for the national 

average oversizing of equipment that occurs when 

a heating product is sized to satisfy more than the 

heating load of the household. This is typically 

done to size the equipment so that it is able to 

satisfy the days in which the house heating 

requirements might be exceeded and/or to take into 

account uncertainties regarding house heating load. 

For example, a 0.7 oversize factor is equivalent to 

170-percent oversizing of the heating equipment 

(i.e., 70 percent greater input capacity than is 

required). 

43 Kweller, E. and Thomas, F., ‘‘An Analysis of 

United States Weather Data for the Calculation of 

Average Outdoor Temperatures and Fractional 

Heating Loads for Furnaces and Boilers Equipped 

with Fuel-Modulating Controls, National Bureau of 

Standards’’ (1982). 

44 International Code Council, 2012 International 

Energy Conservation Code (2011) (Available at: 

https://law.resource.org/pub/us/code/ibr/

icc.iecc.2012.pdf). 

45Cold Climate Housing Research Center, 

‘‘Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, A Review for 

Cold Climate Applicability’’ (2013). 46Brand, Larry, ‘‘Achieving the Best Installed 

Performance from High-Efficiency Residential Gas 

Furnaces,’’ Partnership for Advanced Residential 

Retrofit (March 2012). 47Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, AlaskaSpecific Amendments to the IECC 2009 (2011) 

(Available at: http://www.ahfc.us/files/1013/7393/

1537/ak_bees_2009_ashrae_std_62_2_2010.pdf). 48Brand, Larry, and Rose, William, Measure 

Guideline: High Efficiency Natural Gas Furnaces, 

U.S. Department of Energy Building America 

program (2012) (Available at: http://www.nrel.gov/ 

docs/fy13osti/55493.pdf). 49 Krigger, John, and Dorsi, Chris, Minnesota 

Mechanical Systems Field Guide, Minnesota 

Department of Commerce State Energy Office 

(2005). 

50 Kaluza, Phil, ‘‘Over-Sizing of Residential 

Forced-Air Heating Systems in Southcentral Alaska 

Homes,’’ Arctic Energy Systems (June 2002). 

51ACCA’s Manual J software produces equipment 

sizing loads (heating and cooling) for single-familydetached homes, small multi-unit structures, 

condominiums, town houses and manufactured 

homes. 

mechanical space conditioning to 

incorporate environmental controls or 

limit the testing to only certain times of 

the year, thereby resulting in additional 

testing burden for these facilities. 

Therefore, based on the potentially 

significant burden to manufacturers, 

DOE is not proposing to restrict the 

currently required room ambient 

conditions ranges. 

6. Oversize Factor 

In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought 

comment as to whether the use of the 

existing oversize factor 42 (0.7, or 170 

percent of the house heating load) 

remains appropriate for current field 

installations. 78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 

2013). This request was primarily 

focused on use of the oversize factor for 

single-stage boilers, as the adoption of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 should adequately 

address the oversize factor issues related 

to two-stage/modulating products. 

Energy Kinetics, Rheem, NRCan, and 

NRDC all agreed that the existing 0.7 

oversize factor merits review. Energy 

Kinetics stated that the fixed 0.7 

oversizing factor provides misleading 

information to the marketplace: A boiler 

that is perfectly sized will have no 

benefit in the AFUE rating compared to 

a system that is oversized by a factor of 

five. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 2) 

Rheem would appreciate clarification 

from DOE on the definition of ‘‘average 

oversizing’’ and the specific 

assumptions that lead to a national 

value. Rheem stated that it has seen no 

indication that replacement furnaces are 

less oversized than in the past, but there 

is an important effect due to the 

increasing market share of multistage 

products. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 8) DOE 

acknowledges that when units operate 

at the reduced input rate in the cycling 

mode, the unit is considered to be 

properly sized at the reduced rate to 

meet the heating load.43

Energy Kinetics, Rheem, and NRDC 

each offered recommended adjustments 

to the existing oversize factor. Energy 

Kinetics stated that fuel consumption 

data coupled with degree-day analysis 

indicate that an oversize factor of 2.0 

(i.e., an additional 200 percent of the 

house heating load, resulting in a total 

sizing of 300 percent of the house 

heating load) or more is not only 

common, but the norm. (Energy 

Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 2) NRDC 

commented that DOE should review the 

concept of oversizing as a multiplicative 

factor, as opposed to a more nuanced 

adjustment. NRDC stated that a more 

sophisticated approach may make more 

sense in light of thermal upgrades to the 

International Energy Conservation Code 

(IECC),44 both those already adopted 

and those anticipated in the future. 

(NRDC, No. 14 at p 1) The commenter 

stated that for such an approach, DOE 

should investigate whether an oversize 

factor that varies as a function of 

furnace sizing would provide a more 

accurate representation of expected field 

results. (NRDC, No. 14 at p. 2) 

In contrast, Carrier and AHRI 

commented that the oversize factor, as 

set forth in the existing test procedure, 

does not need to be reviewed. However, 

Carrier recommended, in the event that 

DOE does not adopt ASHRAE 103–2007, 

DOE should use the same fixed oversize 

factor for maximum input on 

modulating products, which is currently 

not the way the incorporated 

modulating section of ASHRAE 103– 

1993 assigns an oversize factor. (Carrier, 

No. 7, p. 2) AHRI commented that the 

heating loads of today’s residences tend 

to be lower because of tighter building 

envelopes and weatherization 

improvements, but this does not 

correlate directly to any change in the 

oversize factor. It added that the 

increased use of two-stage and 

multistage models reduces the 

significance of having an accurate 

oversize factor in the test procedure. 

AHRI stated that in the field, the 

oversize factor only relates to the full 

input rate of the furnace or boiler. When 

the unit is operating at the reduced rate, 

it will fire at an input much closer to the 

estimated design heating load of the 

house. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 4) 

A literature review conducted by DOE 

in response to stakeholder comments 

revealed a variety of recommended 

oversize factors. Some sources 

recommended lower values. For 

example, the Cold Climate Housing 

Research Center stated that, although 

the assumed national oversize factor is 

0.7, recent developments in software 

and sizing techniques have allowed 

installers to size appliances more 

closely to the Air Conditioners 

Contractors of America (ACCA) 

guidelines of using an oversize factor of 

0 to 0.4 (i.e., 100 percent to 140 percent 

of the house heating load).45 The Center 

cited both the March 2012 Partnership 

for Advanced Residential Retrofit 46

oversize factor of 0.4, which is based on 

the ACCA recommendation, and the 

2009 Alaska Building Energy Efficiency 

Standards 47 value of 0.20, as more 

representative of current field 

installations. Research released later in 

2012 by the Partnership for Advanced 

Residential Retrofit also stated that 

high-efficiency furnaces are insensitive 

to oversizing when AFUE is evaluated 

according to the ASHRAE standard (i.e., 

not varying by more than 0.5 percent 

AFUE when tested between 70 percent 

and 120 percent oversizing).48 A report 

by the Minnesota Department of 

Commerce State Energy Office stated 

that 47 percent of their field studies 

revealed oversizing of 50 percent or 

more, which it considers a significant 

problem because oversized units cycle 

more often, resulting in less-efficient 

operation.49

Other researchers found a higher 

range of oversize factors. Research by 

Arctic Energy Systems of South Central 

Alaskan Homes found that forced-air 

furnace oversizing ranged from 66 

percent to 223 percent, with an average 

of 121 percent.50 A report by the 

Minnesota Department of Commerce 

State Energy Office also found that 

ACCA’s Manual J computer software 51

currently incorporates an oversizing 

safety factor of around 25 percent, so 

safety factors added by contractors and 

wholesalers can oversize units even 

more drastically (i.e., in the 


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52 Krigger, John, and Dorsi, Chris, Minnesota 

Mechanical Systems Field Guide, Minnesota 

Department of Commerce State Energy Office. 

(2005). 

53Burdick, Alan, ‘‘Accurate Heating and Cooling 

Load Calculations’’ IBACOS, Inc. (June 2011). 

54Pigg, Scott, ‘‘Electricity Use by New Furnaces,’’ 

Energy Center of Wisconsin (October 2003). 

55Evaluation of New Home Energy Efficiency, 

Summary Report, City of Fort Collins (June 2002). 

56Brand, Larry, and Rose, William, Measure 

Guideline: High Efficiency Natural Gas Furnaces, 

U.S. Department of Energy Building America 

program (2012) (Available at: http://www.nrel.gov/ 

docs/fy13osti/55493.pdf). 

57Section 8.4.2.3 of ASHRAE 103–1993. 

58Section 8.4.2.3.2 of ASHRAE 103–1993. 

neighborhood of 50 to 200 percent).52

Additionally, the heating, ventilation, 

and air conditioning (HVAC) industry 

oftentimes scales predicted loads up to 

take into account unmeasured window 

performance, envelope construction, 

insulation, and duct system efficiency 

information. Integrated Building and 

Construction Solutions (IBACOS) 

modeled two baseline houses in 

Chicago, Illinois, and Orlando, Florida, 

and applied common ‘‘safety factors’’ to 

determine their effect on oversizing. 

Combining all the considered outdoor/ 

indoor design, building component, 

ductwork and ventilation/infiltration 

safety factors resulted in 55 percent total 

oversizing for the Chicago house, and 

141 percent total oversizing for the 

Orlando house.53 A report in Home 

Energy magazine stated that the 

assumed amount of oversizing varies 

with the size of the furnace, but 

averages about 100 percent.54

Another study was conducted by the 

city of Fort Collins, Colorado, to assess 

the impact of the city’s 1996 energy 

code (implementation experience, 

compliance rates, and energy-saving 

results).55 The study focused on homes 

built between 1994 and 1999. The major 

components of the study were: (1) 

Inspections of 20 homes under 

construction; (2) market research 

interviews with 20 builders and 150 

homeowners; (3) energy inspections, 

energy modeling, and utility bill 

analysis for 80 completed homes; and 

(4) performance testing of 40 completed 

homes. The study concluded that the 

furnaces installed in the homes 

surveyed were sized an average of 158 

percent of the minimum required size 

with oversizing observed for 70 percent 

of the furnaces. 

After considering the available 

information, DOE tentatively concludes 

that the revisions incorporated in 

ASHRAE 103–2007 have effectively 

addressed oversize factor corrections for 

two-stage and modulating products, and 

that the literature supports the 

continued use of an oversize factor of 

0.7. Although Energy Kinetics, Rheem, 

NRCan, and NRDC commented that 

there is merit in reviewing the oversize 

factor, no data were provided that 

would support a change to the existing 

oversize factor. Moreover, based on 

recent research evaluating the 

sensitivity of AFUE to a change in 

oversize factor,56 DOE found that 

furnace AFUE is generally insensitive to 

oversizing in the 70 percent to 120 

percent oversizing range. Considering 

the conclusions and widely varying 

results presented by the studies 

discussed previously, DOE has 

tentatively determined the existing 

value of 0.7 continues to be 

representative of the oversized factor 

applicable to the average U.S. 

household. Therefore, DOE proposes to 

maintain the existing oversize factor. 

7. Boiler Supply and Return Water 

Temperatures 

Currently, the DOE test procedure sets 

the temperature of water delivered to 

the boiler (i.e., return water) during the 

steady-state and heat-up tests between 

120°F and 124°F 57 for non-condensing 

hot water boilers, and 120°F ± 2°F for 

condensing hot water boilers.58 In the 

January 2013 RFI, DOE sought comment 

on these temperatures, and whether 

DOE should revise the values to more 

accurately reflect the average water 

temperatures of non-condensing and 

condensing boiler installations. 78 FR 

675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013). 

APGA, Energy Kinetics, and NRCan 

agreed that the boiler water supply 

temperatures merit review. APGA 

commented that supply water 

temperatures can vary in different 

regions and seasons, and these regional 

and seasonal variations should be taken 

into account when measuring boiler 

performance. (APGA, No. 5 at p. 2) 

NRCan stated that for boilers, the supply 

and return water temperatures used to 

determine AFUE should approximate 

the temperatures that will be used after 

the appliance is installed. (NRCan, No. 

15 at p. 4) Energy Kinetics stated that 

the nominal test return water 

temperature of 120 °F and supply water 

temperature of 140 °F used for 

determining AFUE are not 

representative of the supply and return 

water temperatures used in typical 

hydronic heating system installations, 

and the actual operational and off cycle 

temperatures may vary based on boiler 

controls. Energy Kinetics also stated that 

the performance of these controls is not 

assessed in the test method because of 

the fixed water temperatures used for 

the test, and that the exception for lowtemperature radiant applications 

referenced in the RFI has very limited 

relevance to American homes because of 

the small fraction of boilers installed in 

low-temperature radiant systems. 

(Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 2–3) 

AHRI did not agree that the supply 

water temperatures specified for testing 

boilers need to be changed. AHRI 

recommended that DOE consider 

including the low-water-temperature 

test in Appendix F of ASHRAE 103– 

2007 as an additional test for use by 

manufacturers if they choose to provide 

supplemental information. (AHRI, No. 

13 at p. 4–5) 

The supply water temperature in the 

existing DOE test procedure has been 

used to represent average supply 

temperature conditions of various boiler 

designs and applications. DOE 

acknowledges that return water 

temperatures may vary by application 

for different types of products; however, 

DOE has tentatively concluded that the 

existing temperature value allows for 

consistent comparison of AFUE between 

non-condensing and condensing 

models. Therefore, DOE does not plan to 

change the supply/return water 

temperatures for boilers in the DOE test 

procedure. 

DOE acknowledges AHRI’s suggestion 

of identifying Appendix F of ASHRAE 

103–2007 as the test method for use in 

determining seasonal efficiency testing 

at low supply water temperatures in the 

event that a manufacturer chooses to 

publish this efficiency information. In 

denying a prior waiver request from PB 

Heat, DOE clarified that it is permissible 

for a manufacturer conducting lowwater-temperature seasonal efficiency 

(LWTSE) testing to present such results 

in product literature and to make related 

supplemental statements; however, 

AFUE test results generated under the 

DOE test procedure must continue to be 

disclosed, and LWTSE results must 

provide reasonable, clear, and 

distinguishable representations of those 

results to the consumer. 75 FR 25228 

(May 7, 2010). While DOE permits 

publication of these data as 

supplemental information, these 

measurements are not part of DOE’s test 

procedure. 

8. Burner Operating Hours 

Determination 

In the January 2013 RFI, DOE 

explored whether the parameters used 

to calculate the burner operating hours 

in the DOE test procedure (national 

average home-heating loads) should be 

amended due to changes in housing 

construction and climate conditions. 78 

FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013). DOE sought 

comment on whether revised national 


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59American National Standards Institute, 

American National Standard/CSA Standard for 

Gas-Fired Low Pressure Steam and Hot Water 

Boilers (2010) Report No. ANSI Z21.13–2010, CSA 

4.9–2010. 

60American National Standards Institute, 

American National Standard/CSA Standard for 

Gas-Fired Central Furnaces (2006) Report No. ANSI 

Z21.47–2006, CSA 2.3–2006. 61 79 FR 500 (Jan. 3, 2014). 

average values should be used to 

calculate burner operating hours. 

Carrier, Rheem, and AHRI did not 

support changing the burner operating 

hours. Carrier commented that unless 

there are compelling data showing the 

average conditions have changed 

significantly from what is currently the 

basis for the test procedure, it does not 

see a need to change the burner 

operating hours calculations. (Carrier, 

No. 7 at p. 2) Rheem admitted that it has 

not studied climatic conditions that 

would affect the burner operating hours, 

but it recommended that the national 

average heating load hours should not 

change. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 10) AHRI 

recommended that DOE not consider 

this issue, as using a different average 

burner operating hours just moves the 

scale of comparison but provides no 

added value to consumers. (AHRI, No. 

13 at p. 6) In contrast, NRCan 

commented that operating times used to 

determine annual fuel and electrical 

energy consumption ratings should be 

based on representative loads for the 

specific types of products. (NRCan, No. 

15 at pp. 4–5) 

DOE does not believe that there is 

sufficient evidence to substantiate a 

change in the national average heating 

load hours that are used to calculate the 

burner operating hours in the existing 

DOE test procedure. Therefore, DOE is 

not proposing changes to the existing 

value of the national average heating 

load hours. 

9. Aligning Vent Stack Configuration 

With ANSI Standards 

The installation configuration of a 

furnace or boiler vent stack depends on 

the type of product and the intended 

installation location. Currently, the 

configuration requirements for vent 

stacks used during testing differ 

between ANSI Z21.13 59/ANSI Z21.47 60

and the DOE test procedure. ANSI 

Z21.47 and ANSI Z21.13 are standards 

for safe operation, substantial and 

durable construction, and acceptable 

performance of gas-fired central 

furnaces and gas-fired low-pressure 

steam and hot water boilers, 

respectively. These standards are 

intended to be used by manufacturers 

and those responsible for its proper 

installation. In the January 2013 RFI, 

DOE sought comment on whether there 

is a significant difference in efficiency 

rating related to the differences in vent 

stack configurations and whether it 

should consider adopting the vent stack 

requirements as set forth in ANSI 

Z21.13 and/or ANSI Z21.47. 78 FR 675, 

678 (Jan. 4, 2013). 

Lennox, Carrier, and AHRI stated that 

DOE should keep the existing test 

procedure vent stack configuration. 

(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 3; Carrier, No. 7 at 

p. 2; AHRI, No. 13 at p. 5) Lennox stated 

that changes to the vent stack 

configuration provisions would shift the 

AFUE values and provide no practical 

benefit to consumers. (Lennox, No. 6 at 

p. 3) AHRI stated that the existing 

configuration is appropriate for 

efficiency testing and that the vent 

configurations in safety standards are 

different because they focus on safety 

considerations. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 5) 

Rheem and NRCan commented that 

the requirements in the identified ANSI 

standards merit consideration. Rheem 

stated that aligning the test procedure 

with the ANSI Z21.47 vent stack 

configuration, which is meant to 

represent a marginal installation and not 

a typical installation, would require the 

use of uninsulated and slightly shorter 

vents for AFUE testing. This change 

would affect the vent temperature 

slightly, lowering the test AFUE. Rheem 

suggested that DOE should consider 

adopting the same vent stack 

requirements as used in the ANSI 

Z21.47 standard in order to reduce the 

number of test vents that must be 

maintained in the laboratory. (Rheem, 

No. 12 at p. 9) NRCan commented that 

the test procedure should adopt the 

same vent stack requirements as set 

forth in ANSI Z21.13 or ANSI Z21.47. 

NRCan stated that ultimately, the test 

procedure should incorporate 

whichever vent stack configurations are 

the most representative of typical field 

installations. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 4) 

In response, DOE recognizes that 

there is a potential opportunity for 

reducing testing burden associated with 

the storage and mounting of multiple 

vent stacks, and reducing the testing 

differences between ANSI Z21.13/ANSI 

Z21.47 and DOE’s test procedure. 

However, several stakeholders 

expressed the opinion that any 

reduction in test burden would not be 

significant enough to outweigh the 

potential impacts to AFUE and any retesting required as a result of new stack 

configurations. DOE also agrees with 

Rheem’s comment that the change in 

stack configuration has the ability to 

impact AFUE in a way that may make 

the AFUE results less representative of 

actual field conditions. Because the 

ANSI standards address both safety and 

performance, the tests specify the 

minimum configurations for safe 

installation, and are not necessarily 

representative of product field 

installations. Furthermore, DOE believes 

the potential reduction in test burden 

associated with this change is not 

significant enough to offset the impact 

to the AFUE rating. Based on these 

considerations, DOE proposes not to 

pursue changes to the DOE test 

procedure that would require the use of 

the stack configuration as specified in 

ANSI Z21.13 and ANSI Z21.47 

standards for boiler and furnace 

products. 

10. Harmonization of External Static 

Pressure Requirements 

In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought 

comment on differences in efficiency 

performance caused by differences in 

minimum static pressure requirements 

between ASHRAE 103–2007 (Table IV) 

and DOE’s recently published furnace 

fan test procedure,61 as well as any 

drawbacks or advantages associated 

with harmonizing the requirements. 

DOE also requested information on any 

other national or international standards 

that should be considered for this cycle 

of residential furnaces and boilers test 

procedure rulemaking. 78 FR 675, 678– 

79 (Jan. 4, 2013). 

Lennox expressed support for 

harmonizing to the minimum static 

pressure requirements listed in 

ASHRAE Standard 103–2007, rather 

than the much higher static pressures in 

DOE’s furnace fan test procedure. 

(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 3) NRCan stated 

that it is difficult to predict the effects 

of revising the reference system in 

appendix N to match the proposed 

reference system in the furnace fan test 

procedure or vice versa. It commented 

that ideally the air duct reference 

system in both appendix N and the 

proposed furnace fan test procedure 

should be revised and harmonized to 

reflect realistic installations. NRCan 

went on to state that DOE should also 

consider harmonizing the minimum 

duct static pressures for gas furnaces 

and oil furnaces. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 

6) Rheem stated that the evaporator 

coils used in today’s Rheem products 

have a pressure drop of close to 0.3 in. 

w.c. for an airflow rate of 350 cfm/ton 

and 0.4 in. w.c. at an airflow rate of 400 

cfm/ton. Since the introduction of the 

13 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 

(SEER) minimum efficiency regulations, 

Rheem argued that the assumptions 

supporting the minimum static pressure 

in Table 4 of ASHRAE 103–1993 are no 

longer true and that higher static 


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62T. Butcher, ‘‘Performance of Integrated 

Hydronic Heating Systems,’’ BNL–79814–2008–IR 

(December 2007) (Available at: http://www.bnl.gov/ 

isd/documents/41399.pdf). 63 42 U.S.C. 6291(20). 64 42 U.S.C. 6291(20) and (22)(A). 

pressures are appropriate. Rheem 

commented that the static pressure 

values that were proposed in the 

furnace fan test procedure are more than 

double the existing test condition, and 

the effect on AFUE and the current 

product standards would require further 

study. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 11) 

AHRI recommended that DOE not 

consider this issue because it does not 

affect the AFUE measurement, so any 

change would have little to no value. It 

added that DOE should wait until the 

furnace fan test procedure is finalized 

before any further consideration is given 

to this issue. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 6) 

Stakeholders’ input indicates that the 

impact of harmonizing the static 

pressure requirements in the residential 

furnaces and boilers test procedure and 

the furnace fan test static pressure 

conditions in the furnace fans test 

procedure is uncertain and would 

require further study. DOE investigated 

a method applied in the furnace fan test 

procedure for the purposes of measuring 

the airflow at the required static 

pressure. This method was proposed by 

AHRI and uses procedures and a test 

setup consistent with those used for the 

DOE test procedure for furnaces. 

However, the method specifies a 

maximum airflow-control setting that is 

consistent with operation in cooling 

mode but may not be suitable in heating 

mode operation, which is required for 

determining AFUE. Therefore, DOE 

proposes not to change the minimum 

static pressure requirements from those 

set forth in the existing furnaces and 

boilers test procedure. 

11. Alternative Methods for Furnace/

Boiler Efficiency Determination 

As noted in the January 2013 RFI, 

DOE is aware of alternative methods to 

measure the heating efficiency of 

residential furnaces and boilers. In 

particular, DOE sought input on 

Brookhaven National Laboratory’s test 

procedure for combination boilers,62

which determines the thermal efficiency 

of boilers operating under various space 

heating and domestic hot water loads, as 

well as any other test methods worthy 

of consideration. 78 FR 675, 679 (Jan. 4, 

2013). 

Energy Kinetics offered an extensive 

critique of the current DOE furnace 

efficiency metric (AFUE), maintaining 

that the metric restrains progress in the 

residential boiler market, fails to 

provide insight about a product’s energy 

performance and actual field 

performance, does not reflect the real 

performance efficiencies of boilers, is 

based on incorrect concepts of hydronic 

heating systems, and potentially 

rewards poor performing boilers with 

high ratings. Energy Kinetics 

commented that the AFUE test for 

boilers is obsolete and should be 

replaced with a more appropriate metric 

such as the linear input/output method 

developed by Brookhaven National 

Laboratory (BNL). Energy Kinetics 

believes that this method provides 

several benefits, including greater 

accuracy, accounting for design 

improvements in products, and better 

differentiation between poorly 

performing and better performing 

products. Energy Kinetics commented 

that BNL’s linear input/output metric 

also much more closely reflects annual 

efficiency than AFUE alone, and could 

also replace the heat-up/cool-down 

tests, which do not capture seasonal 

efficiency. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 

4) AHRI recommended that DOE not 

consider any other procedures for 

measuring furnace and boiler efficiency. 

It stated that there is no value in 

considering wholesale changes to the 

current test procedure, and the effects 

on manufacturers and others would be 

significant and negative. (AHRI, No. 13 

at p. 7) 

Energy Kinetics recommended that 

DOE should abandon the current AFUE 

procedure and replace it with BNL’s 

thermal efficiency test. Energy Kinetics 

identified the advantages of the BNL test 

in broad terms, but did not attempt to 

quantify the benefits that would result 

from its implementation. DOE 

understands that BNL’s test accounts for 

jacket losses, which gives an efficiency 

advantage to well-insulated boilers. 

However, by definition, most boilers 

under DOE’s test procedure are assumed 

to be indoor boilers, and, therefore, 

considers all jacket losses to be useful 

heat.63 Boilers that utilize designs for 

minimizing jacket losses during the offseason will be more efficient in the BNL 

test than under DOE’s test procedure. 

However, DOE’s test procedure is 

intended to be a measurement of the 

energy efficiency for space heating 

alone. 

DOE considered the stakeholders’ 

input about adopting alternative test 

procedures, specifically the test method 

developed by BNL. However, there are 

insufficient data regarding the accuracy 

and applicability of the linear input/

output method to determine its 

feasibility as a measure of efficiency for 

residential furnaces and boilers. 

Additionally, DOE is statutorily 

required to use the metric of AFUE to 

calculate the efficiency of all residential 

furnace and boiler products.64 It is 

unclear how the AFUE metric could 

incorporate the thermal efficiency 

metric that is central to the BNL 

method. Therefore, DOE tentatively 

concludes that it will not modify the 

DOE test procedure to incorporate the 

BNL test procedure or other alternative 

test methods. 

12. Test Procedure Scope 

Currently, there is no DOE test 

procedure for determining the efficiency 

of combination products that can 

provide both space heating and 

domestic hot water. However, there are 

DOE test procedures for the individual 

components (boiler and water heater) of 

a combined appliance to determine 

efficiency ratings for each primary 

function (space heating and domestic 

water heating). ASHRAE has an existing 

test procedure, ASHRAE 124–2007 

(Methods of Testing for Rating 

Combination Space-Heating and WaterHeating Appliances), which provides a 

test method to rate the performance of 

a combination space-heating and waterheating appliance. In the January 2013 

RFI, DOE sought input on expanding the 

scope of the existing DOE test procedure 

to include definitions and test methods 

for combination products. 78 FR 675, 

679 (Jan. 4, 2013). 

AHRI supported the concept of 

covering combination products in 

general, but voiced concern as to 

whether a test procedure appropriate for 

all such types of combination products 

can be developed. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 

7) Rheem commented that it may be 

difficult to measure energy use of 

modular components in combination 

products. Rheem believes that the 

market for combination products is too 

new to support combined energy 

efficiency ratings. (Rheem, No. 12 at 

p.11–12) NRCan stated that an 

expansion of the scope of the test 

procedure to include definitions and 

test methods for combination products 

may not be advisable. It noted that 

because the characteristics of one 

component of a combination system can 

strongly influence the performance of 

others, it is vital that the appliance be 

tested as a system rather than as 

separate components. NRCan suggested 

that combination appliances are 

different enough to warrant a separate 

rulemaking rather than trying to include 

them within appendix N. (NRCan, No. 

15 at p. 7) Energy Kinetics stated that a 

rating for combination heat and 

domestic water heating systems has 


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65 ‘‘Idle loss,’’ as the term applies to residential 

heating boilers, is heat wasted when the burner is 

not firing. For combination appliances, the idle 

losses occur following space heating and/or 

domestic hot water heating operations. The idle 

losses include the heat from combustion that is not 

transferred to the heating water and includes the 

products of combustion up the flue, the loss out of 

the heat exchanger walls and boiler’s jacket in the 

form of radiant, conductive, or convective transfer, 

and the loss down the drain as a condensate. Since 

no fuel is being consumed during the off-cycle, offcycle losses are important only to the extent that 

they must be replaced during the on-cycle by the 

burning of extra fuel (i.e., longer burner on times 

or higher firing rates). 

66 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N, 

sections 8.6.1 and 8.6.2. 

67Statement of Policy for Adopting Full-FuelCycle Analyses Into Energy Conservation Standards 

Programs, 76 FR 51281 (Aug. 18, 2011). 

68See Rule Concerning Disclosures Regarding 

Energy Consumption and Water Use of Certain 

Home Appliances and Other Products Required 

Under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act 

(‘‘Appliance Labeling Rule’’), 72 FR 49948, 49961 

(Aug. 29, 2007). 

69 Id. at 49961–62. 

significant potential for energy 

conservation improvements. It noted 

that the existing state of ASHRAE 124 

for combined heating and hot water 

products is not satisfactory; AFUE for 

heating season creates a conflict in 

considering jacket losses under the hot 

water portion of the test, while the 

heating portion considers them again. 

(Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 1–4) 

DOE agrees that the concept of 

covering combination products has 

merit. However, DOE prefers not to 

delay or complicate this rulemaking in 

pursuit of test procedure requirements 

for combination products. DOE plans to 

continue to seek input about the 

development of a test procedure for 

combination appliances. DOE may 

consider a separate rulemaking devoted 

specifically to combination appliances 

in the future. 

Regarding another test procedure 

issue, Energy Kinetics commented that 

the well-established impact of idle 

losses 65 on boiler operation was not 

addressed in the December 31, 2012 test 

procedure final rule for residential 

furnaces and boilers related to standby 

mode and off mode energy 

consumption. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11 

at p. 3) 

In response, the DOE test procedure 

accounts for idle losses associated with 

boiler space heating in the heating 

season efficiency value. DOE recognizes 

that the idle losses during non-space 

heating operation (i.e., domestic water 

heating) are not captured in the existing 

DOE test procedure. However, the scope 

of this test procedure rulemaking does 

not account for the efficiency of the 

products that are used for both space 

heating and domestic water heating. For 

the reasons discussed, DOE is not 

considering provisions at this time to 

address non-space heating boiler 

operations, including idle losses. 

13. Standby Mode and Off Mode 

On December 31, 2012 DOE published 

a test procedure final rule for residential 

furnaces and boilers to address the 

standby mode and off mode energy 

consumption of these products. 77 FR 

76831. In the January 2013 RFI, DOE 

requested comments on test procedure 

provisions for determining standby 

mode and off mode energy use. 78 FR 

675, 679 (Jan. 4, 2013). 

AHRI stated it had no specific 

comments regarding standby mode and 

off mode energy consumption at the 

time, though it generally agreed that 

these modes should be considered as 

part of this rulemaking. (AHRI, No. 13 

at p. 7) NRCan stated that standby mode 

and off mode power should include all 

‘‘connected loads’’ rather than selected 

loads from a few identified components. 

It noted that a default value could be 

considered for a control thermostat and/ 

or automatic temperature reset control 

to account for the fact that different 

furnace and boiler controls (with 

different electricity consumption 

characteristics) may be installed with 

the appliance. It added that a control 

transformer that is included with a 

furnace or boiler should be included 

within the base electric measurements, 

as it will be a part of the connected load 

after installation. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 

8) 

DOE conducted a review of the IEC 

Standard 62301 and did not identify any 

changes or revisions to that standard 

that would necessitate updating sections 

of the DOE test procedure pertaining to 

standby mode or off mode calculations. 

DOE’s standby mode and off mode 

power measurements include only 

auxiliary components that are part of 

the furnace and boiler, including the 

automatic temperature reset. The 

standby mode or off mode power of 

components such as the furnace 

controls that respond to the house 

thermostat input are included; however, 

the electricity consumption of the house 

thermostat device itself is not 

considered in the overall standby mode 

and off mode electricity consumption, 

because it is independent of the furnace 

or boiler. Furthermore, DOE is not 

aware of representative electricity 

consumption values that could be used 

as default values for the house 

thermostat.66 DOE’s residential furnace 

and boiler test procedure only applies to 

covered products as defined in 42 

U.S.C. 6291(23) and does not include 

other equipment and/or components 

installed in specific installations. For 

these reasons, DOE does not plan to 

modify the standby mode and off mode 

energy consumption provisions of the 

furnace and boiler test procedure. 

14. Full-Fuel-Cycle Energy Metrics 

In comments on the January 2013 RFI, 

AGA stated that DOE should continue 

the transition toward use of full-fuelcycle (FFC) energy metrics by 

developing a secondary energy 

descriptor for residential furnaces and 

boilers that reflects either extended site 

or FFC energy metrics. (AGA, No. 3 at 

pp. 1–4) AGA stated that EPCA does not 

preclude the use of additional or 

secondary energy descriptors that 

provide useful information to 

consumers on the energy consumption 

and environmental impacts of their 

appliance choices. It stated that 

implementing an extended site or FFC 

energy descriptor would not require 

alteration of any test methods for the 

appliances, as a simple calculation can 

be done using the primary (site-based) 

energy descriptor as an independent 

variable. 

AGA pointed out that in DOE’s 

August 2011 FFC Statement of Policy, 

DOE committed to working with other 

Federal agencies to make readily 

available to consumers improved 

information on energy consumption and 

emissions impacts of comparable 

products.67 AGA urged DOE to take the 

opportunity in this proceeding to 

formulate metrics that can be 

incorporated into a FFC descriptor and 

used on Energy Guide labels. According 

to AGA, the Federal Trade Commission 

(FTC) has previously noted that energy 

consumption information on the Energy 

Guide labels must be derived from 

DOE’s test procedures.68 The FTC 

acknowledged that it may be possible to 

derive fuel cycle emissions information 

from the DOE test procedures, but 

suggested that such procedures would 

need to specify the means for 

calculating fuel cycle impacts.69 AGA 

contends that adding a secondary FFC 

energy descriptor to appliance test 

procedures is an essential step in 

enabling the FTC to include such 

information on the Energy Guide labels 

to allow consumers to make better 

informed appliance choices, consistent 

with the recommendations of the 

National Academy of Sciences and 

DOE’s FFC Statement of Policy. 

AGA also contends that adding an 

FFC energy descriptor to the test 

procedures for residential furnaces and 


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boilers to establish FFC AFUE ratings 

for such appliances provides an 

important ability to compare the energy 

efficiency of heating systems that use 

different fuels. Finally, AGA stated that 

a secondary FFC energy descriptor 

could also be used to more accurately 

reflect the energy consumption of 

products within the same product class. 

It noted that because the electric energy 

consumption of natural gas furnaces is 

not currently included in the AFUE 

ratings, the current AFUE rating alone 

does not provide consumers with a 

measure of the true efficiency of a 

particular gas furnace product, nor 

allow consumers to properly compare 

products that use different fuels. 

DOE agrees with AGA that an FFC 

energy descriptor for furnaces could 

provide consumers and other parties 

with useful information for comparing 

products. Indeed, in its FFC Statement 

of Policy, DOE stated its intention to 

‘‘work with other Federal agencies to 

make readily available to consumers 

improved information on the energy 

use, life-cycle cost and associated 

emissions of comparable products, even 

if those products use different forms of 

energy.’’ 76 FR 51281, 51289 (Aug. 18, 

2011). However, DOE is not convinced 

that this test procedure is the 

appropriate vehicle for deriving an FFC 

energy descriptor for furnaces (or other 

products). As discussed in the Notice of 

Policy Amendment Regarding Full-FuelCycle Analyses, DOE intends to use the 

National Energy Modeling System 

(NEMS) as the basis for deriving the 

energy and emission multipliers used to 

conduct FFC analyses in support of 

future energy conservation standards 

rulemakings. 77 FR 49701 (Aug. 17, 

2012). DOE also uses NEMS to derive 

factors to convert site electricity use or 

savings to primary energy consumption 

by the electric power sector. NEMS is 

updated annually in association with 

the preparation of the Energy 

Information Administration’s (EIA) 

Annual Energy Outlook. Based on its 

experience to date, DOE expects that the 

energy and emission multipliers used to 

conduct FFC analyses will change each 

year. If DOE were to include a 

secondary FFC energy descriptor as part 

of the furnace and boiler test procedure, 

DOE would need to update the test 

procedure annually. 

DOE believes that there are more 

suitable means to derive an FFC energy 

descriptor for residential furnaces and 

boilers, and, more generally, to provide 

consumers improved information on the 

energy use and associated emissions of 

furnaces and other products. DOE 

remains committed to work with the 

FTC and other interested parties to 

develop such information. Furthermore, 

DOE intends to estimate FFC energy 

savings in future energy conservation 

standards rulemakings for furnaces, and 

to take those savings into account in 

proposing and selecting amended 

standards. 

15. Test Burden 

EPCA requires that the test 

procedures DOE prescribes or amends 

be reasonably designed to produce test 

results that measure the energy 

efficiency, energy use, water use (in the 

case of showerheads, faucets, water 

closets, and urinals) or estimated annual 

operating cost of a covered product 

during a representative average use 

cycle or period of use. These procedures 

must also not be unduly burdensome to 

conduct. See 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3). 

Under the proposed test procedure, 

the cycle on and off times are calculated 

as a function of high and reduced input 

capacity, as opposed to under the 

existing test procedure, which specifies 

a burner on time of 10 minutes and off 

time of 10 minutes for two-stage and 

step-modulating furnaces, and a burner 

on time of 15 minutes and off time of 

15 minutes for two-stage and stepmodulating boilers. In DOE’s view, the 

proposal requiring manufacturers to 

perform calculations to determine 

burner cycling times as opposed to 

using standard fixed values would 

impose a small additional burden on 

manufacturers. However, the additional 

time necessary to calculate the cycle 

times would likely be offset by the 

shorter cycling times during testing, 

which may result in overall shorter test 

duration. In addition, the proposed 

calculation method for determining 

AFUE for two-stage and modulating 

products would allow the use of 

reduced fuel input only, allowing 

manufacturers to bypass the high fire 

test for many of these units. Therefore, 

on average, DOE expects little or no 

additional burden as the result of this 

proposed revision. 

Allowing the condensate to be 

measured during the establishment of 

steady-state conditions rather than 

during an additional 30-minute period 

once steady-state conditions have been 

established would reduce the time 

required to measure condensate mass 

and, thus, would reduce the test burden 

to manufacturers while still providing 

accurate results. 

DOE believes that capturing the total 

electrical consumption will significantly 

improve the accuracy and consistency 

of the reported electricity consumption 

across different models as well as align 

the test procedure with current field 

practices. Furthermore, in many cases, 

the total electricity consumption is 

already being captured during testing. 

Therefore, for most manufacturers, 

including additional measurements of 

electrical consumption would introduce 

little to no additional test burden. 

The proposed inclusion of reference 

to the approved I&O manual could 

provide additional guidance and clarity 

to the test procedure. DOE believes that 

this proposal would reduce the burden 

and time requirements by allowing the 

manufacturers to utilize information 

already available in the manufacturers’ 

literature instead of instructions derived 

solely for AFUE testing purposes. 

Therefore, DOE expects that there 

would be no additional costs associated 

with this revision. 

Included within the proposed test 

procedure is the adoption of a method 

for verifying the functionality of the 

design requirement that requires an 

automatic means for adjusting water 

temperature. This test would be 

conducted independently of the AFUE 

test and would require additional time 

and labor beyond the existing AFUE test 

procedure. DOE expects that the 

required measurements should be able 

to be conducted using the same 

components and material required for 

the existing AFUE test. DOE has also 

tentatively concluded that the extra test 

is warranted to verify that the various 

controls for automatic means for 

adjusting water temperature operate as 

expected. 

DOE assumes that manufacturers 

currently perform the tracer gas test to 

determine whether the minimum 

default draft factor of 0.05 may be used. 

DOE believes that when establishing the 

absence of flow through the heat 

exchanger, the use of the smoke stick 

test will reduce the test burden to 

manufacturers by eliminating, in some 

cases, the need for the tracer gas test. 

For these reasons, DOE concludes that 

the amended test procedures proposed 

in the NOPR would not be unduly 

burdensome to conduct. 

16. Changes in Measured Energy Use 

When DOE modifies test procedures, 

it must determine to what extent, if any, 

the new test procedure would alter the 

measured energy efficiency or energy 

use of any covered product. (42 U.S.C. 

6293(e)(1)) For the reasons described 

subsequently, DOE has determined that 

none of the proposed test procedure 

amendments would significantly alter 

the projected measured energy 

efficiency or energy use of the covered 

products that are the subject of this 

rulemaking. 

The test procedure amendments in 

this proposed rule would affect the test 


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70For more information on the boiler and furnace 

directories, see http://www.ahridirectory.org/

ahridirectory/pages/home.aspx. 

71For more information see: http://dsbs.sba.gov/ 

dsbs/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm. 

72For more information see: http://

www.hoovers.com/. 

procedures that will be required for 

certifying compliance with the amended 

energy conservation standards. Many of 

the changes that would be made to 

appendix N through this proposed rule 

would clarify the manner in which the 

test is conducted, or would otherwise 

represent minor changes or additions to 

the test or reporting requirements that 

would not affect measured energy use. 

These amendments include: (1) 

Revisions in instances where the test 

procedure references ‘‘manufacturer 

recommendations’’ or ‘‘manufacturer’s 

instructions;’’ (2) allowing the 

measurement of condensate under 

steady-state conditions during the 

steady-state test; (3) a test protocol for 

determining the functionality of the 

automatic means for adjusting water 

temperature; (4) adopting a test method 

to indicate the absence or presence of 

airflow to determine whether the 

minimum default draft factor may be 

used; (5) revised annual electricity 

consumption equations; (6) increasing 

AFUE reporting precision; (7) specifying 

ductwork for units that are installed 

without a return duct; and (8) specifying 

testing requirements for units with 

multiposition configurations. 

The one amendment in this proposed 

rule that might alter the AFUE of 

covered products is the incorporation by 

reference of ASHRAE 103–2007. DOE 

does not believe that the resulting 

changes in AFUE would require 

amending the applicable energy 

conservation standard or affect 

compliance with the standard. The 

impact on AFUE from the incorporation 

mentioned previously for two-stage and 

modulating non-condensing residential 

furnaces or boilers is small and tends to 

increase the AFUE. Furthermore, twostage and modulating features are 

usually associated with premium or 

higher efficiency products. The product 

tests performed by DOE and stakeholder 

comments confirm that a model that 

would need to be re-rated using the 

provisions adopted in this notice would 

have a resulting AFUE above the current 

minimum required efficiency. 

IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory 

Review 

A. Review Under Executive Order 12866 

The Office of Management and Budget 

has determined that test procedure 

rulemakings do not constitute 

‘‘significant regulatory actions’’ under 

section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, 

‘‘Regulatory Planning and Review,’’ 58 

FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, 

this regulatory action was not subject to 

review under the Executive Order by the 

Office of Information and Regulatory 

Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB). 

B. Review Under the Regulatory 

Flexibility Act 

The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 

U.S.C. 601 et seq., as amended by the 

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 

Fairness Act of 1996) requires 

preparation of an initial regulatory 

flexibility analysis (IRFA) for any rule 

that by law must be proposed for public 

comment and a final regulatory 

flexibility analysis (FRFA) for any such 

rule that an agency adopts as a final 

rule, unless the agency certifies that the 

rule, if promulgated, will not have a 

significant economic impact on a 

substantial number of small entities. A 

regulatory flexibility analysis examines 

the impact of the rule on small entities 

and considers alternative ways of 

reducing negative effects. Also, as 

required by Executive Order 13272, 

‘‘Proper Consideration of Small Entities 

in Agency Rulemaking,’’ 67 FR 53461 

(August 16, 2002), DOE published 

procedures and policies on February 19, 

2003, to ensure that the potential 

impacts of its rules on small entities are 

properly considered during the DOE 

rulemaking process. 68 FR 7990. DOE 

has made its procedures and policies 

available on the Office of the General 

Counsel’s Web site: http://energy.gov/

gc/office-general-counsel. 

DOE reviewed the proposed rule 

under the provisions of the Regulatory 

Flexibility Act and the procedures and 

policies published on February 19, 

2003. 68 FR 7990. DOE has concluded 

that the rule would not have a 

significant impact on a substantial 

number of small entities. The factual 

basis for this certification is as follows: 

For manufacturers of residential 

furnaces and boilers, the Small Business 

Administration (SBA) has set a size 

threshold, which defines those entities 

classified as ‘‘small businesses’’ for the 

purposes of the Act. DOE used the 

SBA’s small business size standards to 

determine whether any small entities 

would be subject to the requirements of 

the rule. 65 FR 30836, 30848 (May 15, 

2000), as amended at 65 FR 53533, 

53544 (Sept. 5, 2000) and codified at 13 

CFR part 121. These size standards and 

codes are established by the North 

American Industry Classification 

System (NAICS) and are available at 

http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/

files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf. 

Residential boiler manufacturing is 

classified under NAICS 333414, 

‘‘Heating Equipment (Except Warm Air 

Furnaces) Manufacturing,’’ for which 

the maximum size threshold is 500 

employees or fewer. Residential furnace 

manufacturing is classified under 

NAICS 333415, ‘‘Air-conditioning and 

warm air heating equipment and 

commercial and industrial refrigeration 

equipment manufacturing’’ for which 

the maximum size threshold is 750 

employees or fewer. To estimate the 

number of companies that could be 

small business manufacturers of 

products covered by this rulemaking, 

DOE conducted a market survey using 

available public information to identify 

potential small manufacturers. DOE’s 

research involved reviewing several 

industry trade association membership 

directories (e.g., AHRI 70), SBA 

databases,71 individual company Web 

sites, and marketing research tools (e.g., 

Hoovers 72 reports) to create a list of all 

domestic small business manufacturers 

of residential furnaces and boilers 

covered by this rulemaking. 

After DOE identified manufacturers of 

residential furnaces and residential 

boilers, DOE then consulted publicallyavailable data and contacted companies, 

as necessary, to determine if they both 

meet the SBA’s definition of a ‘‘small 

business’’ manufacturer and have their 

manufacturing facilities located within 

the United States. DOE screened out 

companies that did not offer products 

covered by this rulemaking, did not 

meet the definition of a ‘‘small 

business,’’ or are foreign-owned and 

operated. Based on this analysis, DOE 

identified 9 small businesses that 

manufacture residential furnaces and 9 

small businesses that manufacture 

residential boilers (two of which also 

manufacture residential furnaces), for a 

total of 16 small businesses potentially 

impacted by this rulemaking. 

This notice proposes amendments to 

DOE’s test procedure by incorporating 

several changes that modify the existing 

test procedure for furnaces and boilers. 

This proposal includes the following 

changes: (1) Incorporation by reference 

of the ASHRAE 103–2007; (1) allowing 

the measurement of condensate under 

steady-state conditions during the 

steady-state test; (1) a revised annual 

electricity consumption test protocol 

and calculation methodology; (1) 

revisions to how the test procedure 

references ‘‘manufacturer 

recommendations’’ or ‘‘manufacturer’s 

instructions;’’ (1) a test protocol for 

verifying the functionality of the 

automatic means for adjusting water 

temperature; (1) a smoke stick method 


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12898 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules 

for determining whether the minimum 

default draft factor may be used; (1) 

revising the reporting precision for 

AFUE to the nearest tenth of a 

percentage point; (1) specifying 

ductwork for units that are installed 

without a return duct; and (1) specifying 

testing requirements for units with 

multiposition configurations. The 

estimated costs of testing/rating and 

potential impact to manufacturer 

burden resulting from use of the 

proposed test procedure are discussed 

subsequently. The estimated costs and 

potential impacts apply to all 

manufacturers, including the 

manufacturers identified as small 

businesses. 

Most of the proposed test procedure 

amendments in this notice would have 

little or no impact on test burden. As 

stated in section III.E.15, updating the 

ASHRAE 103 reference from the 1993 to 

the 2007 version would, in DOE’s view, 

result in little or no additional burden 

on average, while improving the 

accuracy of the test procedure. Revising 

the language to reference Installation 

and Operation Manuals would not 

impose any additional burden on 

manufacturers. Revising the reporting 

precision for AFUE also would not 

impose any additional burden on 

manufacturers. DOE notes that allowing 

the measurement of condensate under 

steady-state conditions during the 

steady-state test, rather than requiring 

an additional 30-minute period for 

measuring condensate after steady-state 

conditions have been established, 

would reduce the test burden, as it 

would lessen the overall duration of the 

test. Additionally, the proposed smoke 

stick method for determining whether 

the minimum default draft factor may be 

used is intended to reduce the test 

burden to manufacturers. 

With respect to the proposal to 

include additional measurements of 

electrical consumption, DOE has 

evaluated the impact of measuring the 

electricity consumption of one 

additional component—the secondary 

pump—as part of the auxiliary electrical 

measurements. DOE has determined 

that this extra measurement would 

require 30 minutes of additional time to 

conduct the AFUE test. DOE has 

tentatively concluded that 

manufacturers would not have any 

additional material or component costs 

resulting from this proposal because 

these measurements should be able to 

be conducted using the same 

components and materials required for 

the existing measurements. DOE has 

estimated that at an assumed cost of $60 

per hour for a lab technician, the cost 

to perform this additional electrical 

measurement is approximately $30 per 

unit tested. 

The proposed method for verifying 

the functionality of the design 

requirement that requires an automatic 

means for adjusting water temperature 

would require additional time and labor 

beyond the existing AFUE test 

procedure. DOE expects that 

manufacturers would not have any 

major material or component costs 

associated with the required 

measurements and that they should be 

able to be conduct such testing using the 

same components and material required 

for the existing AFUE test. DOE expects 

that all affected parties should have this 

type of capability readily available. DOE 

has estimated that at an assumed cost of 

$60 per hour for a lab technician, the 

cost to perform these additional test 

measurements is approximately $90 per 

unit tested. 

While DOE has estimated that the 

additional electrical measurements and 

the verification of automatic means 

would result in additional testing costs, 

two other proposed amendments— 

allowing the measurement of 

condensate under steady-state 

conditions during the steady-state test 

and the smoke stick method for 

determining the minimum default draft 

factor—would offset a portion of these 

additional test costs. For condensing 

furnaces and boilers that would benefit 

from the time and labor savings 

attributed to the measurement of 

condensate during the steady-state test, 

DOE estimates that the overall duration 

of the test would be reduced by 30 

minutes. DOE has estimated that at an 

assumed cost of $60 per hour for a lab 

technician, the cost savings attributed to 

the measurement of condensate during 

the steady-state test is approximately 

$30 per unit tested. DOE estimated that 

condensing furnaces and boilers will 

account for about 40 percent and 36 

percent of the market in 2015, 

respectively. Furthermore, DOE 

estimated that the smoke stick method 

for determining the minimum default 

draft factor would reduce the overall 

duration of the test by about 15 minutes 

for units designed to have no flow 

through the heat exchanger. However, 

DOE does not have sufficient 

information to support estimating the 

fraction of units that have been designed 

such that there is no flow through the 

heat exchanger. Therefore, DOE has not 

included the cost savings associated 

with the smoke stick test but has 

included the cost savings associated 

with the measurement of condensate. 

To determine the potential cost of the 

proposed test procedure amendments 

on small furnace and boiler 

manufacturers, DOE estimated the cost 

of testing per basic model. DOE has 

estimated that the proposed test 

procedure changes would result in an 

additional testing cost of $30 per basic 

model for non-condensing furnaces, no 

additional cost per basic model for 

condensing furnaces, an additional 

testing cost of $120 per basic model for 

non-condensing boilers, and an 

additional testing cost of $90 per basic 

model for condensing boilers. (The cost 

savings attributed to the measurement of 

condensate during the steady-state test 

have been accounted for in the cost 

estimates.) DOE estimated that on 

average, each furnace small business 

would have 51 basic models, and each 

boiler small business would have 70 

basic models. DOE applied the 

condensing product market shares to the 

basic model counts to account for the 

difference in cost estimates between 

non-condensing and condensing 

products. Then the additional testing 

cost associated with the proposed test 

procedure amendments was multiplied 

by the estimated number of basic 

models produced by a small 

manufacturer. DOE has estimated a total 

added cost of testing of $916 per furnace 

manufacturer and a total added cost of 

testing of $7,640 per boiler 

manufacturer. 

When considering the costs just 

discussed, DOE believes they are very 

small relative to the overall cost of 

manufacturing, testing, and certifying 

residential furnace and boiler products. 

DOE seeks comment on its tentative 

conclusion. 

For the reasons stated previously, 

DOE certifies that this rule, if adopted, 

would not have a significant economic 

impact on a substantial number of small 

entities. Therefore, DOE did not prepare 

an initial regulatory flexibility analysis 

for the proposed rule. DOE will transmit 

its certification and a supporting 

statement of factual basis to the Chief 

Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA for 

review pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b). 

C. Review Under the Paperwork 

Reduction Act of 1995 

Manufacturers of residential furnaces 

and boilers must certify to DOE that 

their products comply with all 

applicable energy conservation 

standards. In certifying compliance, 

manufacturers must test their products 

according to the DOE test procedures for 

residential furnaces and boilers, 

including any amendments adopted for 

those test procedures, on the date that 

compliance is required. DOE has 

established regulations for the 

certification and recordkeeping 

requirements for all covered consumer 


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products and commercial equipment, 

including residential furnaces and 

boilers. 76 FR 12422 (March 7, 2011); 80 

FR 5099 (Jan. 30, 2015). The collectionof-information requirement for 

certification and recordkeeping is 

subject to review and approval by OMB 

under the Paperwork Reduction Act 

(PRA). This requirement has been 

approved by OMB under OMB control 

number 1910–1400. Public reporting 

burden for the certification is estimated 

to average 20 hours per response, 

including the time for reviewing 

instructions, searching existing data 

sources, gathering and maintaining the 

data needed, and completing and 

reviewing the collection of information. 

Notwithstanding any other provision 

of the law, no person is required to 

respond to, nor shall any person be 

subject to a penalty for failure to comply 

with, a collection of information subject 

to the requirements of the PRA, unless 

that collection of information displays a 

currently valid OMB Control Number. 

D. Review Under the National 

Environmental Policy Act of 1969 

In this proposed rule, DOE proposes 

amendments to its test procedure for 

residential furnaces and boilers. DOE 

has determined that this rule falls into 

a class of actions that are categorically 

excluded from review under the 

National Environmental Policy Act of 

1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and DOE’s 

implementing regulations at 10 CFR part 

1021. Specifically, this proposed rule 

would amend the existing test 

procedure without affecting the amount, 

quality or distribution of energy usage, 

and, therefore, would not result in any 

environmental impacts. Thus, this 

rulemaking is covered by Categorical 

Exclusion A5 under 10 CFR part 1021, 

subpart D, which applies to any 

rulemaking that interprets or amends an 

existing rule without changing the 

environmental effect of that rule. 

Accordingly, neither an environmental 

assessment nor an environmental 

impact statement is required. 

E. Review Under Executive Order 13132 

Executive Order 13132, ‘‘Federalism,’’ 

64 FR 43255 (August 10, 1999) imposes 

certain requirements on Federal 

agencies formulating and implementing 

policies or regulations that preempt 

State law or that have Federalism 

implications. The Executive Order 

requires agencies to examine the 

constitutional and statutory authority 

supporting any action that would limit 

the policymaking discretion of the 

States, and to carefully assess the 

necessity for such actions. The 

Executive Order also requires agencies 

to have an accountable process to 

ensure meaningful and timely input by 

State and local officials in the 

development of regulatory policies that 

have Federalism implications. On 

March 14, 2000, DOE published a 

statement of policy describing the 

intergovernmental consultation process 

it will follow in the development of 

such regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE 

examined this proposed rule and has 

tentatively determined that it would not 

have a substantial direct effect on the 

States, on the relationship between the 

national government and the States, or 

on the distribution of power and 

responsibilities among the various 

levels of government. EPCA governs and 

prescribes Federal preemption of State 

regulations as to energy conservation for 

the products that are the subject of this 

proposal. States can petition DOE for 

exemption from such preemption to the 

extent, and based on criteria, set forth in 

EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d)) No further 

action is required by Executive Order 

13132. 

F. Review Under Executive Order 12988 

Regarding the review of existing 

regulations and the promulgation of 

new regulations, section 3(a) of 

Executive Order 12988, ‘‘Civil Justice 

Reform,’’ 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), 

imposes on Federal agencies the general 

duty to adhere to the following 

requirements: (1) Eliminate drafting 

errors and ambiguity; (2) write 

regulations to minimize litigation; (3) 

provide a clear legal standard for 

affected conduct rather than a general 

standard; and (4) promote simplification 

and burden reduction. Regarding the 

review required by section 3(a), section 

3(b) of Executive Order 12988 

specifically requires that Executive 

agencies make every reasonable effort to 

ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly 

specifies the preemptive effect, if any; 

(2) clearly specifies any effect on 

existing Federal law or regulation; (3) 

provides a clear legal standard for 

affected conduct while promoting 

simplification and burden reduction; (4) 

specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) 

adequately defines key terms; and (6) 

addresses other important issues 

affecting clarity and general 

draftsmanship under any guidelines 

issued by the Attorney General. Section 

3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires 

Executive agencies to review regulations 

in light of applicable standards in 

sections 3(a) and 3(b) to determine 

whether they are met or it is 

unreasonable to meet one or more of 

them. DOE has completed the required 

review and tentatively determined that, 

to the extent permitted by law, the 

proposed rule meets the relevant 

standards of Executive Order 12988. 

G. Review Under the Unfunded 

Mandates Reform Act of 1995 

Title II of the Unfunded Mandates 

Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) requires 

each Federal agency to assess the effects 

of Federal regulatory actions on State, 

local, and Tribal governments and the 

private sector. Public Law 104–4, sec. 

201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531). For a 

regulatory action likely to result in a 

rule that may cause the expenditure by 

State, local, and Tribal governments, in 

the aggregate, or by the private sector of 

$100 million or more in any one year 

(adjusted annually for inflation), section 

202 of UMRA requires a Federal agency 

to publish a written statement that 

estimates the resulting costs, benefits, 

and other effects on the national 

economy. (2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The 

UMRA also requires a Federal agency to 

develop an effective process to permit 

timely input by elected officers of State, 

local, and Tribal governments on a 

‘‘significant intergovernmental 

mandate,’’ and requires an agency plan 

for giving notice and opportunity for 

timely input to potentially affected 

small governments before establishing 

any requirements that might 

significantly or uniquely affect them. On 

March 18, 1997, DOE published a 

statement of policy on its process for 

intergovernmental consultation under 

UMRA. 62 FR 12820. (This policy is 

also available at http://energy.gov/gc/ 

office-general-counsel). DOE examined 

the proposed rule according to UMRA 

and its statement of policy and has 

tentatively determined that the rule 

contains neither an intergovernmental 

mandate, nor a mandate that may result 

in the expenditure by State, local, and 

Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or 

by the private sector, of $100 million or 

more in any year. Accordingly, no 

further assessment or analysis is 

required under UMRA. 

H. Review Under the Treasury and 

General Government Appropriations 

Act, 1999 

Section 654 of the Treasury and 

General Government Appropriations 

Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105–277) requires 

Federal agencies to issue a Family 

Policymaking Assessment for any rule 

that may affect family well-being. This 

rule would not have any impact on the 

autonomy or integrity of the family as 

an institution. Accordingly, DOE has 

concluded that it is not necessary to 

prepare a Family Policymaking 

Assessment. 


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I. Review Under Executive Order 12630 

Pursuant to Executive Order 12630, 

‘‘Governmental Actions and Interference 

with Constitutionally Protected Property 

Rights,’’ 53 FR 8859 (March 18, 1988), 

DOE has determined that this proposed 

rule would not result in any takings that 

might require compensation under the 

Fifth Amendment to the U.S. 

Constitution. 

J. Review Under Treasury and General 

Government Appropriations Act, 2001 

Section 515 of the Treasury and 

General Government Appropriations 

Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides 

for Federal agencies to review most 

disseminations of information to the 

public under information quality 

guidelines established by each agency 

pursuant to general guidelines issued by 

OMB. OMB’s guidelines were published 

at 67 FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002), and 

DOE’s guidelines were published at 67 

FR 62446 (Oct. 7, 2002). DOE has 

reviewed the proposed rule under the 

OMB and DOE guidelines and has 

concluded that it is consistent with 

applicable policies in those guidelines. 

K. Review Under Executive Order 13211 

Executive Order 13211, ‘‘Actions 

Concerning Regulations That 

Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 

Distribution, or Use,’’ 66 FR 28355 (May 

22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to 

prepare and submit to OIRA at OMB, a 

Statement of Energy Effects for any 

significant energy action. A ‘‘significant 

energy action’’ is defined as any action 

by an agency that promulgated or is 

expected to lead to promulgation of a 

final rule, and that: (1) Is a significant 

regulatory action under Executive Order 

12866, or any successor order; and (2) 

is likely to have a significant adverse 

effect on the supply, distribution, or use 

of energy; or (3) is designated by the 

Administrator of OIRA as a significant 

energy action. For any proposed 

significant energy action, the agency 

must give a detailed statement of any 

adverse effects on energy supply, 

distribution, or use should the proposal 

be implemented, and of reasonable 

alternatives to the action and their 

expected benefits on energy supply, 

distribution, and use. 

This regulatory action to amend the 

test procedure for measuring the energy 

efficiency of residential furnaces and 

boilers is not a significant regulatory 

action under Executive Order 12866 or 

any successor order. Moreover, it would 

not have a significant adverse effect on 

the supply, distribution, or use of 

energy, nor has it been designated as a 

significant energy action by the 

Administrator of OIRA. Therefore, it is 

not a significant energy action, and, 

accordingly, DOE has not prepared a 

Statement of Energy Effects for this 

rulemaking. 

L. Review Under Section 32 of the 

Federal Energy Administration Act of 

1974 

Under section 301 of the Department 

of Energy Organization Act (Pub. L. 95– 

91; 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), DOE must 

comply with all laws applicable to the 

former Federal Energy Administration, 

including section 32 of the Federal 

Energy Administration Act of 1974 

(Pub. L. 93–275), as amended by the 

Federal Energy Administration 

Authorization Act of 1977 (Pub. L. 95– 

70). (15 U.S.C. 788; FEAA) Section 32 

essentially provides in relevant part 

that, where a proposed rule authorizes 

or requires use of commercial standards, 

the notice of proposed rulemaking must 

inform the public of the use and 

background of such standards. In 

addition, section 32(c) requires DOE to 

consult with the Attorney General and 

the Chairman of the Federal Trade 

Commission (FTC) concerning the 

impact of the commercial or industry 

standards on competition. 

As discussed in section III.C.1 of this 

document, the proposed rule 

incorporates testing methods contained 

in the following commercial standard: 

ASHRAE Standard 103–2007, Method of 

Testing for Annual Fuel Utilization 

Efficiency of Residential Central 

Furnaces and Boilers. While this 

proposed test procedure is not 

exclusively based on this standard, DOE 

test procedure adopts several provisions 

from this standard without amendment. 

DOE has evaluated this standard and is 

unable to conclude whether it fully 

complies with the requirements of 

section 32(b) of the FEAA (i.e., that it 

was developed in a manner that fully 

provides for public participation, 

comment, and review). DOE’s previous 

test procedure incorporated testing 

methods from the earlier version of the 

same standard (ASHRAE Standard 103– 

1993). The modifications reflected in 

ASHRAE Standard 103–2007 were 

developed as part of ASHRAE’s public 

comment and review process. DOE will 

consult with the Attorney General and 

the Chairwoman of the FTC concerning 

the impact of these test procedures on 

competition prior to prescribing a final 

rule. 

M. Description of Materials 

Incorporated by Reference 

DOE is proposing to incorporate by 

reference the test standard published by 

ASTM, titled ‘‘Standard Test Method for 

Smoke Density in Flue Gases from 

Burning Distillate Fuels,’’ ASTM– 

D2156–09 (Reapproved 2013). ASTM– 

D2156 is an industry accepted test 

procedure that establishes uniform test 

methods for the evaluation of smoke 

density in the flue gases from burning 

distillate fuels. The test procedure 

proposed in this NOPR incorporates by 

reference in its entirety which includes 

terminology, methods of testing, 

materials, apparatus, procedures, 

reporting, and precision and bias. 

ASTM–D2156–09 is readily available for 

purchase on ASTM’s Web site at 

http://www.astm.org/Standards/ 

D2156.htm. 

V. Public Participation 

A. Attendance at the Public Meeting 

The time, date, and location of the 

public meeting are listed in the DATES

and ADDRESSES sections at the beginning 

of this document. If you plan to attend 

the public meeting, please notify Ms. 

Brenda Edwards at (202) 586–2945 or 

Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. 

Please note that foreign nationals 

visiting DOE Headquarters are subject to 

advance security screening procedures. 

If a foreign national wishes to 

participate in the public meeting, please 

inform DOE of this fact as soon as 

possible by contacting Ms. Regina 

Washington at (202) 586–1214 or by 

email (Regina.Washington@ee.doe.gov) 

so that the necessary procedures can be 

completed. 

DOE requires visitors to have laptops 

and other devices, such as tablets, 

checked upon entry into the Forrestal 

Building. Any person wishing to bring 

these devices into the building will be 

required to obtain a property pass. 

Visitors should avoid bringing these 

devices, or allow an extra 45 minutes to 

check in. Please report to the visitor’s 

desk to have devices checked before 

proceeding through security. 

Due to the REAL ID Act implemented 

by the Department of Homeland 

Security (DHS), there have been recent 

changes regarding identification (ID) 

requirements for individuals wishing to 

enter Federal buildings from specific 

States and U.S. territories. As a result, 

driver’s licenses from several States or 

territory will not be accepted for 

building entry, and instead, one of the 

alternate forms of ID listed below will 

be required. DHS has determined that 

regular driver’s licenses (and ID cards) 

from the following jurisdictions are not 

acceptable for entry into DOE facilities: 

Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, 

Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, 

Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, and 

Washington. Acceptable alternate forms 


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of Photo-ID include: U.S. Passport or 

Passport Card; an Enhanced Driver’s 

License or Enhanced ID-Card issued by 

the States of Minnesota, New York, or 

Washington (Enhanced licenses issued 

by these States are clearly marked 

Enhanced or Enhanced Driver’s 

License); a military ID or other Federal 

government-issued Photo-ID card. 

In addition, you can attend the public 

meeting via webinar. Webinar 

registration information, participant 

instructions, and information about the 

capabilities available to webinar 

participants will be published on DOE’s 

Web site at: http:// 

www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ 

appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ 

ruleid/55. Participants are responsible 

for ensuring their systems are 

compatible with the webinar software. 

B. Procedure for Submitting Requests To 

Speak and Prepared General Statements 

for Distribution 

Any person who has an interest in the 

topics addressed in this notice of 

proposed rulemaking, or who is 

representative of a group or class of 

persons that has an interest in these 

issues, may request an opportunity to 

make an oral presentation at the public 

meeting. Such persons may handdeliver requests to speak to the address 

show in the ADDRESSES section at the 

beginning of this notice between 9:00 

a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through 

Friday, except Federal holidays. 

Requests may also be sent by mail or 

email to Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. 

Department of Energy, Building 

Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–5B, 

1000 Independence Avenue SW., 

Washington, DC 20585–0121, or 

Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. Persons 

who wish to speak should include in 

their request a computer diskette or CD– 

ROM in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, 

PDF, or text (ASCII) file format that 

briefly describes the nature of their 

interest in this rulemaking and the 

topics they wish to discuss. Such 

persons should also provide a daytime 

telephone number where they can be 

reached. 

DOE requests persons selected to 

make an oral presentation to submit an 

advance copy of their statements at least 

one week before the public meeting. 

DOE may permit persons who cannot 

supply an advance copy of their 

statement to participate, if those persons 

have made advance alternative 

arrangements with the Building 

Technologies Program. As necessary, 

request to give an oral presentation 

should ask for such alternative 

arrangements. 

Any person who has plans to present 

a prepared general statement may 

request that copies of his or her 

statement be made available at the 

public meeting. Such persons may 

submit requests, along with an advance 

electronic copy of their statement in 

PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 

Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file 

format, to the appropriate address 

shown in the ADDRESSES section at the 

beginning of this notice of proposed 

rulemaking. The request and advance 

copy of statements must be received at 

least one week before the public 

meeting and may be emailed, handdelivered, or sent by mail. DOE prefers 

to receive requests and advance copies 

via email. Please include a telephone 

number to enable DOE staff to make 

follow-up contact, if needed. 

C. Conduct of the Public Meeting 

DOE will designate a DOE official to 

preside at the public meeting and may 

also use a professional facilitator to aid 

discussion. The meeting will not be a 

judicial or evidentiary-type public 

hearing, but DOE will conduct it in 

accordance with section 336 of EPCA 

(42 U.S.C. 6306). A court reporter will 

be present to record the proceedings and 

prepare a transcript. DOE reserves the 

right to schedule the order of 

presentations and to establish the 

procedures governing the conduct of the 

public meeting. There shall not be 

discussion of proprietary information, 

costs or prices, market share, or other 

commercial matters regulated by U.S. 

anti-trust laws. After the public meeting, 

interested parties may submit further 

comments on the proceedings, as well 

as on any aspect of the rulemaking, until 

the end of the comment period. 

The public meeting will be conducted 

in an informal, conference style. DOE 

will present summaries of comments 

received before the public meeting, 

allow time for prepared general 

statements by participants, and 

encourage all interested parties to share 

their views on issues affecting this 

rulemaking. Each participant will be 

allowed to make a general statement 

(within time limits determined by DOE), 

before the discussion of specific topics. 

DOE will allow, as time permits, other 

participants to comment briefly on any 

general statements. 

At the end of all prepared statements 

on a topic, DOE will permit participants 

to clarify their statements briefly and 

comment on statements made by others. 

Participants should be prepared to 

answer questions by DOE and by other 

participants concerning these issues. 

DOE representatives may also ask 

questions of participants concerning 

other matters relevant to this 

rulemaking. The official conducting the 

public meeting will accept additional 

comments or questions from those 

attending, as time permits. The 

presiding official will announce any 

further procedural rules or modification 

of the above procedures that may be 

needed for the proper conduct of the 

public meeting. 

A transcript of the public meeting will 

be posted on the DOE Web site and will 

be included in the docket, which can be 

viewed as described in the Docket 

section at the beginning of this notice. 

In addition, any person may buy a copy 

of the transcript from the transcribing 

reporter. 

D. Submission of Comments 

Instructions: DOE will accept 

comments, data, and information 

regarding this proposed rule before or 

after the public meeting, but no later 

than the date provided in the DATES

section at the beginning of this notice of 

proposed rulemaking. Interested parties 

may submit comments using any of the 

methods described in the ADDRESSES

section at the beginning of this notice of 

proposed rulemaking. 

All submissions must include the 

agency name and docket number EERE– 

2012–BT–TP–0024 and/or regulatory 

information number (RIN) 1904–AC79. 

No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be 

accepted. 

Submitting comments via 

www.regulations.gov. The 

www.regulations.gov Web page will 

require you to provide your name and 

contact information. Your contact 

information will be viewable to DOE 

Building Technologies staff only. Your 

contact information will not be publicly 

viewable except for your first and last 

names, organization name (if any), and 

submitter representative name (if any). 

If your comment is not processed 

properly because of technical 

difficulties, DOE will use this 

information to contact you. If DOE 

cannot read your comment due to 

technical difficulties and cannot contact 

you for clarification, DOE may not be 

able to consider your comment. 

However, your contact information 

will be publicly viewable if you include 

it in the comment itself or in any 

documents attached to your comment. 

Any information that you do not want 

to be publicly viewable should not be 

included in your comment, nor in any 

document attached to your comment. 

Otherwise, persons viewing comments 

will see only first and last names, 

organization names, correspondence 

containing comments, and any 


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documents submitted with the 

comments. 

Do not submit to www.regulations.gov 

information for which disclosure is 

restricted by statute, such as trade 

secrets and commercial or financial 

information (hereinafter referred to as 

Confidential Business Information 

(CBI)). Comments submitted through 

www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed 

as CBI. Comments received through the 

Web site will waive any CBI claims for 

the information submitted. For 

information on submitting CBI, see the 

Confidential Business Information 

section. 

DOE processes submissions made 

through www.regulations.gov before 

posting. Normally, comments will be 

posted within a few days of being 

submitted. However, if large volumes of 

comments are being processed 

simultaneously, your comment may not 

be viewable for up to several weeks. 

Please keep the comment tracking 

number that www.regulations.gov 

provides after you have successfully 

uploaded your comment. 

Submitting comments via email, 

hand-delivery/courier, or mail. 

Comments and documents submitted 

via email, hand-delivery/courier, or 

mail also will be posted to 

www.regulations.gov. If you do not want 

your personal contact information to be 

publicly viewable, do not include it in 

your comment or any accompanying 

documents. Instead, provide your 

contact information in a cover letter. 

Include your first and last names, email 

address, telephone number, and 

optional mailing address. The cover 

letter will not be publicly viewable as 

long as it does not include any 

comments. 

Include contact information each time 

you submit comments, data, documents, 

and other information to DOE. If you 

submit via mail or hand delivery/ 

courier, please provide all items on a 

compact disk (CD), if feasible, in which 

case it is not necessary to submit 

printed copies. No telefacsimiles (faxes) 

will be accepted. 

Comments, data, and other 

information submitted to DOE 

electronically should be provided in 

PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 

Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file 

format. Provide documents that are not 

secured, written in English, and are free 

of any defects or viruses. Documents 

should not contain special characters or 

any form of encryption and, if possible, 

they should carry the electronic 

signature of the author. 

Campaign form letters. Please submit 

campaign form letters by the originating 

organization in batches of between 50 to 

500 form letters per PDF or as one form 

letter with a list of supporters’ names 

compiled into one or more PDFs. This 

reduces comment processing and 

posting time. 

Confidential Business Information. 

Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any person 

submitting information that he or she 

believes to be confidential and exempt 

by law from public disclosure should 

submit via email, postal mail, or hand 

delivery/courier two well-marked 

copies: One copy of the document 

marked ‘‘confidential’’ including all the 

information believed to be confidential, 

and one copy of the document marked 

‘‘non-confidential’’ with the information 

believed to be confidential deleted. 

Submit these documents via email or on 

a CD, if feasible. DOE will make its own 

determination about the confidential 

status of the information and treat it 

according to its determination. 

Factors of interest to DOE when 

evaluating requests to treat submitted 

information as confidential include: (1) 

A description of the items; (2) whether 

and why such items are customarily 

treated as confidential within the 

industry; (3) whether the information is 

generally known by or available from 

other sources; (4) whether the 

information has previously been made 

available to others without obligation 

concerning its confidentiality; (5) an 

explanation of the competitive injury to 

the submitting person which would 

result from public disclosure; (6) when 

such information might lose its 

confidential character due to the 

passage of time; and (7) why disclosure 

of the information would be contrary to 

the public interest. 

It is DOE’s policy that all comments 

may be included in the public docket, 

without change and as received, 

including any personal information 

provided in the comments (except 

information deemed to be exempt from 

public disclosure). 

E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment 

Although DOE welcomes comments 

on any aspect of this proposal, DOE is 

particularly interested in receiving 

comments and views of interested 

parties concerning the following issues: 

1. ASHRAE 103 Update From Version 

1993 to 2007 

DOE requests comment from 

stakeholders on the proposed changes to 

the DOE test procedure resulting from 

incorporating the 2007 version of 

ASHRAE 103 with some limited 

modifications. 

2. Measurement of Condensate Under 

Steady-State Conditions 

DOE requests comment from 

stakeholders on the proposed changes to 

allow for the measurement of 

condensate during the establishment of 

steady-state conditions (ASHRAE 103– 

2007, section 9.1). 

3. Additional Auxiliary Electrical 

Consumption 

In this NOPR, DOE proposes changes 

to the test procedure by updating the 

incorporation by reference of ASHRAE 

103 to the 2007 version and by 

incorporating testing of auxiliary 

electricity components. DOE requests 

comment from stakeholders on these 

proposed changes. 

4. Installation and Operation Manual 

Reference 

DOE requests comment on its 

proposal to clarify the test procedure 

language to explicitly state that testing 

recommendations should be drawn from 

each product’s approved I&O manual, 

and to provide a specific combustion 

airflow ratio, reduced fuel input rate, 

and draft settings when the 

manufacturer does not provide 

recommended values in the I&O manual 

provided with the unit. 

5. Automatic Means for Adjusting Water 

Temperature Testing 

DOE seeks stakeholder comment on 

any additional methods for inferring 

building heat load to ensure that DOE’s 

proposed test method validates the 

functionality of all strategies currently 

available in the market used to provide 

an automatic means for adjusting water 

temperature. 

6. Test Method for Indicating the 

Absence of Flow Through the Heat 

Exchanger 

DOE is interested in whether, in 

addition to the proposed smoke stick 

test, other options exist for measuring or 

indicating the absence of flow through 

the heat exchanger. 

7. AFUE Reporting Precision 

DOE’s existing furnaces and boilers 

test procedure specifies that the AFUE 

rating be rounded to the nearest whole 

percentage point. DOE requests 

comment on its proposal to update the 

existing requirement for residential 

furnaces and boilers to report AFUE to 

the nearest tenth of a percentage point. 

8. Duct Work for Units That Are 

Installed Without a Return Duct 

DOE requests comments on the 

proposal to add a provision in the test 

procedure clarifying that the return 


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(inlet) duct is not required during 

testing for units which, according to the 

manufacturer’s I&O manual, are 

intended to be installed without a return 

duct. 

9. Testing Requirements for 

Multiposition Configurations 

DOE requests comment on its 

proposal to allow testing of units 

configured for multiple position 

installations to use the blower access 

door as an option instead of one of the 

inlet openings. 

10. Room Ambient Air Temperature and 

Humidity Ranges 

DOE requests comment from 

stakeholders on DOE’s preliminary 

determination not to propose changes to 

the test procedure regarding room 

ambient temperature and humidity, 

neither in the form of a mathematical 

correction methodology nor by limiting 

the existing ambient condition ranges. 

11. Oversize Factor Value 

DOE did not receive data supporting 

a change to the existing oversize factor 

of 0.7. DOE proposes to maintain the 

existing oversize factor and seeks 

comment on the appropriateness of this 

strategy. 

VI. Approval of the Office of the 

Secretary 

The Secretary of Energy has approved 

publication of this notice of proposed 

rulemaking. 

List of Subjects 

10 CFR Part 429 

Confidential business information, 

Energy conservation, Household 

appliances, Imports, Reporting and 

recordkeeping requirements. 

10 CFR Part 430 

Administrative practice and 

procedure, Confidential business 

information, Energy conservation, 

Household appliances, Imports, 

Incorporation by reference, 

Intergovernmental relations, Small 

businesses. 

Issued in Washington, DC, on February 13, 

2015. 

Kathleen B. Hogan, 

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy 

Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable 

Energy. 

For the reasons stated in the 

preamble, DOE proposes to amend parts 

429 and 430 of Chapter II, Subchapter 

D of Title 10, Code of Federal 

Regulations, as set forth below: 

PART 429—CERTIFICATION, 

COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT 

FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND 

COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL 

EQUIPMENT 

■ 1. The authority citation for part 429 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291–6317. 

■ 2. Section 429.134 is amended by 

adding paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) to 

read as follows: 

§ 429.134 Product-specific enforcement 

provisions. 

* * * * * 

(c) [Reserved]. 

(d) [Reserved]. 

(e) Test protocols for functional 

verification of automatic means for 

adjusting water temperature. These tests 

are intended to verify the functionality 

of the design requirement that a boiler 

has an automatic means for adjusting 

water temperature for single-stage, twostage, and modulating boilers. These test 

methods are intended to permit the 

functional testing of a range of control 

strategies used to fulfill this design 

requirement. Section 2 Definitions and 

paragraph 6.1.a of appendix N to 

subpart B of part 430 of this title apply 

for the purposes of this paragraph. 

(1) Test protocol for single-stage 

products. This test is intended to verify 

the functionality of the automatic means 

for establishing a burner delay upon a 

heat call in single-stage boiler products. 

The nature of this test method allows 

the functional testing of the control 

strategy that allows the burner or 

heating element to fire only when the 

means has determined that the inferred 

heat load cannot be met by the residual 

heat of the water in the system. 

(i) Boiler setup. (A) Boiler installation. 

For boilers subject to this testing, boiler 

installation in the test room shall be in 

accordance with the setup and 

apparatus requirements by section 6.0 of 

appendix N to subpart B of 10 CFR part 

430. 

(B) Activation of controls. Adjust the 

boiler controls (in accordance with the 

I&O manual to the default setting that 

allows for activation of the means for 

adjusting water temperature. 

(C) Adjustment of water flow and 

temperature. The flow and temperature 

of return (inlet) water to the boiler shall 

be capable of being adjusted manually. 

(ii) Boiler heat-up. (A) Boiler start-up. 

Power up the boiler and initiate a call 

for heat. 

(B) Adjustment of firing rate. Adjust 

the boiler’s firing rate to within ±5% of 

its maximum rated input. 

(C) Establishing flow rate and 

temperature rise. Adjust the water flow 

through the boiler to achieve a DT of 20 

°F (±2 °F) or greater with a supply water 

temperature equal to 120 °F (±2 °F). 

(D) Terminate the call for heating. 

Terminate the call for space heating, 

stop the flow of water through the 

boiler, and record the time at 

termination. 

(iii) Verify burner delay. (A) Reinitiate 

call for heat. Within three (3) minutes of 

termination (paragraph (e)(1)(i)(H) of 

this section) and without adjusting the 

inlet water flow rate or heat load as 

specified in paragraph (e)(1)(i)(G) of this 

section, reinitiate the call for heat and 

water flow and record the time. 

(B) Verify burner ignition. At 15- 

second intervals, record time and outlet 

water temperature until the main burner 

ignites. 

(C) Terminate the call for heat. 

(2) Test protocol for two-stage and 

modulating products. This test is 

intended to verify the functionality of 

the design requirement that a boiler has 

an automatic means for adjusting water 

temperature. The nature of this test 

method allows the functional testing of 

the control strategy that ensures that an 

incremental change in inferred heat load 

produces a corresponding incremental 

change in temperature of water 

supplied. 

(i) Boiler setup. (A) Boiler installation. 

Boiler installation in the test room shall 

be in accordance with the setup and 

apparatus requirements of section 6 of 

appendix N to subpart B of 10 CFR part 

430. 

(B) Establishing flow rate and 

temperature rise. 

(1) Start the boiler without enabling 

the means for adjusting water 

temperature. Establish a water flow rate 

that allows for a water temperature rise 

of greater than or equal to 20 °F at 

maximum input rate. 

(2) Adjust the inferential load 

controller in accordance with the I&O 

manual. 

(C) Temperature stabilization. 

Following stabilization of boiler 

operations and water temperatures, 

continue to paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this 

section. 

(ii) Establishing inferred load 

conditions for reduced boiler output. 

(A) Adjust the inferential load 

controller. (1) While the boiler is still 

operational, adjust the boiler controls 

(in accordance with the I&O manual) to 

the default setting that allows for 

activation of the means for adjusting 

water temperature. (For boiler controls 

that do not allow for control adjustment 

during active mode operation, terminate 

call for heating and adjust the 

inferential load controller in accordance 


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with the I&O manual. Then reinitiate 

call for heating.) 

(2) If the means for adjusting water 

temperature uses outdoor temperature 

reset, the maximum outdoor 

temperature setting (if equipped) should 

be set to a temperature high enough that 

the boiler operates continuously during 

the duration of this test (i.e., if the 

conditions in paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(B) of 

this section equal room ambient 

temperature, then the maximum 

outdoor temperature should be set at a 

temperature greater than the normal 

variation in the room ambient air 

temperature). 

(B) Establish inferred load conditions. 

(1) Establish the inferred load 

conditions (simulated using a 

controlling parameter) so that the 

supply water temperature is maintained 

at the lowest supply water temperature 

(±4 °F) prescribed by the boiler 

manufacturer’s temperature reset 

control strategy found in the I&O 

manual. 

(2) The minimum supply water 

temperature of the default temperature 

reset curve is usually provided within 

the I&O manual. If there is no 

recommendation, set the minimum 

supply water temperature equal to 20 °F 

less than the high supply water 

temperature specified in paragraph 

(e)(2)(iii)(A). 

(C) Supply water temperature 

condition. (1) Maintain the call for 

heating until the boiler supply water 

temperature has stabilized. 

(2) For this test, a stabilized 

temperature control setting is deemed to 

be obtained when the setting does not 

vary by more than ±3 °F over a period 

of 5 minutes. The duration of time 

required to stabilize the supply water, 

following the procedure in paragraph 

(e)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, is dependent 

on the reset strategy and may vary from 

model to model. 

(D) Supply temperature verification. 

(1) Verify that the resulting supply 

water temperature corresponds to the 

low boiler water temperature as 

required in paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(B) of this 

section. 

(2) Record the stabilized boiler supply 

water temperature. 

(iii) Verify Water Temperature Reset 

for Change in Inferred Load. (A) Adjust 

inferred load conditions. Establish the 

inferred load conditions so that the 

supply water temperature is set to the 

highest allowable supply water 

temperature (±2 °F) as prescribed in the 

I&O manual or if there is no 

recommendation, set to a temperature 

greater than 170 °F. 

(B) Temperature stabilization. (1) 

Maintain the call for heating until the 

boiler supply water temperature has 

stabilized. 

(2) Record the boiler supply water 

temperature while the temperature is 

stabilized. 

(3) Terminate the call for heating. 

PART 430—ENERGY CONSERVATION 

PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER 

PRODUCTS 

■ 3. The authority citation for part 430 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291–6309; 28 U.S.C. 

2461 note. 

■ 4. Section 430.2 is amended by 

revising the definition of ‘‘Furnace’’ to 

read as follows: 

§ 430.2 Definitions. 

* * * * * 

Furnace means a product which 

utilizes only single-phase electric 

current, or single-phase electric current 

or DC current in conjunction with 

natural gas, propane, or home heating 

oil, and which— 

(1) Is designed to be the principal 

heating source for the living space of a 

residence; 

(2) Is not contained within the same 

cabinet with a central air conditioner 

whose rated cooling capacity is above 

65,000 Btu per hour; 

(3) Is an electric central furnace, 

electric boiler, forced-air central 

furnace, gravity central furnace, or lowpressure steam or hot water boiler; and 

(4) Has a heat input rate of less than 

300,000 Btu per hour for electric boilers 

and low-pressure steam or hot water 

boilers and less than 225,000 Btu per 

hour for forced-air central furnaces, 

gravity central furnaces, and electric 

central furnaces. 

* * * * * 

■ 5. Section 430.3 is amended by: 

■ a. Revising paragraph (f)(10); 

■ b. Removing paragraph (f)(11); 

■ c. Redesignating paragraph (f)(12) as 

(f)(11); 

■ d. Revise paragraph (i). 

The revisions read as follows: 

§ 430.3 Materials incorporated by 

reference. 

* * * * * 

(f) * * * 

(10) ASHRAE Standard 103–2007, 

(‘‘ASHRAE 103–2007’’), Methods of 

Testing for Annual Fuel Utilization 

Efficiency of Residential Central 

Furnaces and Boilers, ANSI approved 

March 25, 2008, IBR approved for 

§ 430.23, appendix N, and appendix AA 

to subpart B. 

* * * * * 

(i) ASTM. American Society of 

Testing and Materials, ASTM 

Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, 

P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 

19428–2959, (877) 909–2786 or (610) 

832–9585, or go to http://www.astm.org. 

(1) ASTM–D2156—09 (Reapproved 

2013), Method of Test for Smoke 

Density in the Flue Gases from Distillate 

Fuels, approved December 1, 2009, IBR 

approved for appendix N to subpart B. 

(2) [Reserved] 

* * * * * 

■ 6. Revise § 430.23(n)(2) to read as 

follows: 

§ 430.23 Test procedures for the 

measurement of energy and water 

consumption. 

* * * * * 

(n) * * * 

(2) The annual fuel utilization 

efficiency for furnaces, expressed in 

percent, is the ratio of the annual fuel 

output of useful energy delivered to the 

heated space to the annual fuel energy 

input to the furnace determined 

according to section 10.1 of appendix N 

of this subpart for gas and oil furnaces 

and determined in accordance with 

section 11.1 of the American National 

Standards Institute/American Society of 

Heating, Refrigerating, and AirConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 

Standard 103–2007 (incorporated by 

reference, see § 430.3) for electric 

furnaces. Round the annual fuel 

utilization efficiency to the nearest onetenth of a percentage point. 

* * * * * 

■ 7. Revise section 2.3 of Appendix AA 

to subpart B to read as follows: 

Appendix AA to Subpart B of Part 430 

—Uniform Test Method for Measuring 

the Energy Consumption of Furnace 

Fans 

* * * * * 

2.0 Definitions. * * * 

2.3 ASHRAE Standard 103–2007 

(incorporated by reference; see § 430.3) 

means the test standard published in 2007 by 

ASHRAE, approved by the American 

National Standards Institute (ANSI) on 

March 25, 2008, and titled ‘‘Method of 

Testing for Annual Fuel Utilization 

Efficiency of Residential Central Furnaces 

and Boilers,’’ except for sections 3.0, 7.2.2.5, 

8.6.1.1, 9.1.2.2, 9.5.1.1, 9.5.1.2.1, 9.5.1.2.2, 

9.5.2.1, 9.7.1, 10.0, 11.2.12, 11.3.12, 11.4.12, 

11.5.12 and appendices B and C. Only those 

sections of ASHRAE 103–2007 specifically 

referenced in this test procedure are part of 

this test procedure. In cases where there is 

a conflict, the language of the test procedure 

in this appendix takes precedence over 

ASHRAE 103–2007. 

* * * * * 

■ 8. Revise appendix N to subpart B to 

read as follows: 


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Appendix N to Subpart B of Part 430— 

Uniform Test Method for Measuring the 

Energy Consumption of Furnaces and 

Boilers 

Note: On and after [180 days after 

publication of the final rule in the Federal 

Register], any representations made with 

respect to the energy use or efficiency of 

residential furnaces and boilers must be 

made in accordance with the results of 

testing pursuant to this appendix. On and 

after this date, if a manufacturer makes 

representations of standby mode and off 

mode energy consumption, then testing must 

also include the provisions of this appendix 

related to standby mode and off mode energy 

consumption (i.e., sections 8.12 and 10.12 of 

this appendix N). 

Until [180 days after the publication of the 

final rule in the Federal Register], 

representations must be made in accordance 

with the results of testing pursuant to either 

this appendix, or appendix N as it appeared 

at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B revised as of 

January 1, 2015. Any representations made 

with respect to the energy use or efficiency 

of such residential furnaces and boilers must 

be in accordance with whichever version is 

selected. DOE notes that, because testing 

under this appendix N must be completed as 

of [180 days after publication of the final rule 

in the Federal Register], manufacturers may 

wish to begin using this test procedure 

immediately. 

1.0 Scope. This appendix provides the 

test procedures for furnaces and boilers 

subject to the standards specified at 10 CFR 

430.32(e). 

2.0 Definitions. Definitions include those 

specified in section 3 of ASHRAE 103–2007 

(incorporated by reference, see § 430.3) and 

the following additional and modified 

definitions. In cases where there is a conflict, 

these definitions take precedence over the 

definitions specified in ASHRAE 103–2007. 

2.1 Active mode means the condition in 

which the furnace or boiler is connected to 

the power source, and at least one of the 

burner, electric resistance elements, or any 

electrical auxiliaries such as blowers or 

pumps, are activated. 

2.2 ASHRAE means the American Society 

of Heating, Refrigerating, and AirConditioning Engineers. 

2.3 ASHRAE 103–2007 (incorporated by 

reference; see § 430.3) means the test 

standard published in 2007 by ASHRAE, 

approved by the American National 

Standards Institute (ANSI) on March 25, 

2008, and titled ‘‘Method of Testing for 

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency of 

Residential Central Furnaces and Boilers’’ 

(incorporated by reference, see § 430.3), 

except for sections 2, 7.1, 7.2.2.2, 7.2.2.5, 

7.2.3.1, 7.8, 8.2.1.3, 8.3.3.1, 8.4.1.1, 8.4.1.1.2, 

8.4.1.2, 8.4.2.1.4, 8.4.2.1.6, 8.6.1.1, 8.7.2, 

8.8.3, 9.1.2.1, 9.1.2.2.1, 9.1.2.2.2, 9.2, 9.5.1.1, 

9.5.1.2.1, 9.5.1.2.2, 9.5.2.1, 9.7.6, 9.7.4, 9.10, 

11.5.11.1, 11.5.11.2 and appendices B and C. 

Only those sections of ASHRAE 103–2007 

specifically referenced in this test procedure 

are part of this test procedure. In cases where 

there is a conflict, the language of the test 

procedure in this appendix takes precedence 

over ASHRAE 103–2007. 

2.4 ASTM–D2156 means the test standard 

published by the American Society for 

Testing and Materials (ASTM), titled 

‘‘Method of Test for Smoke Density in the 

Flue Gases from Distillate Fuels,’’ published 

in 2009 (reapproved 2013). (incorporated by 

reference, see § 430.3) 

2.5 Controlling Parameter means a 

measurable quantity (such as temperature or 

usage pattern) used for inferring heating load, 

which would then result in incremental 

changes in supply water temperature. 

2.6 IEC 62301 means the test standard 

published by the International 

Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), titled 

‘‘Household electrical appliances— 

Measurement of standby power,’’ Publication 

62301 (Edition 2.0 2011–01). (incorporated 

by reference, see § 430.3) 

2.7 Installation and operation (I&O) 

manual means instructions for installing, 

commissioning, and operating the furnace or 

boiler, which are approved as part of the 

product’s safety listing and are supplied with 

the product when shipped by the 

manufacturer. 

2.8 Multiposition furnace means a 

furnace that can be installed in more than 

one airflow configuration (i.e., upflow or 

horizontal; downflow or horizontal; and 

upflow, downflow, or horizontal). 

2.9 Off mode means a mode in which the 

furnace or boiler is connected to a mains 

power source and is not providing any active 

or standby mode function, and where the 

mode may persist for an indefinite time. The 

existence of an off switch in off position (a 

disconnect circuit), is included within the 

classification of an off mode. 

2.10 Off switch means the switch on the 

furnace or boiler that, when activated, results 

in a measurable change in energy 

consumption between the standby and off 

modes. 

2.11 Standby mode means any mode in 

which the furnace or boiler is connected to 

a mains power source and offers one or more 

of the following space heating functions that 

may persist for an indefinite time: 

a. To facilitate the activation of other 

modes (including activation or deactivation 

of active mode) by remote control (including 

thermostat or use patterns) or internal or 

external sensors (temperature); 

b. Continuous functions, including 

information or status displays (where 

present). 

2.12 Thermal stack damper means a type 

of stack damper which is dependent for 

operation exclusively upon the direct 

conversion of thermal energy of the stack 

gases to open the damper. 

3.0 Classifications. Classifications are as 

specified in section 4 of ASHRAE 103–2007 

(incorporated by reference, see § 430.3). 

4.0 Requirements. Requirements are as 

specified in section 5 of ASHRAE 103–2007 

(incorporated by reference, see § 430.3). 

5.0 Instruments. Instruments must be as 

specified in section 6 of ASHRAE 103–2007 

(incorporated by reference, see § 430.3). 

6.0 Apparatus. The apparatus used in 

conjunction with the furnace or boiler during 

the testing shall be as specified in section 7 

of ASHRAE 103–2007 (incorporated by 

reference, see § 430.3) except for sections 7.1, 

7.2.2.2, 7.2.2.5, 7.2.3.1, and 7.8, and as 

specified in sections 6.1 through 6.5 of this 

appendix. 

6.1 General. 

a. Install the furnace or boiler in the test 

room in accordance with the I&O manual, as 

defined in section 2.7 of this appendix, 

unless a specific provision of the referenced 

test procedure applies. The exception to this 

case is that if additional provisions within 

this appendix have been specified, then the 

provisions herein drafted and prescribed by 

DOE shall govern. If the I&O manual and any 

additional provisions are not sufficient for 

testing a furnace or boiler, the manufacturer 

must request a waiver from the test 

procedure pursuant to 10 CFR 430.27. 

b. If the I&O manual indicates the unit 

should not be installed with a return duct, 

then the return (inlet) duct specified in 

section 7.2.1 of ASHRAE 103–2007 is not 

required. 

c. Test multiposition furnaces in the leastefficient configuration. Testing of 

multiposition furnaces in other 

configurations is permitted if represented 

pursuant to the requirements in 10 CFR 429. 

If a multiposition furnace is not shipped with 

an open inlet, testing of the unit would use 

the blower access door instead of removing 

one of the designed inlet cut-outs. 

d. The apparatus described below is used 

in conjunction with the furnace or boiler 

during testing. Each piece of apparatus shall 

conform to material and construction 

specifications and the reference standards 

cited. 

e. Test rooms containing equipment must 

have suitable facilities for providing the 

utilities (including but not limited to 

environmental controls, sufficient fluid 

source(s), applicable measurement 

equipment, and any other technology or 

tools) necessary for performance of the test 

and must be able to maintain conditions 

within the limits specified. 

6.2 Forced Air Central Furnaces (Direct 

Vent and Direct Exhaust). 

a. Units not equipped with a draft hood or 

draft diverter shall be provided with the 

minimum-length vent configuration 

recommended in the I&O manual or a 5-ft 

flue pipe if there is no recommendation (see 

Figure 4 of ASHRAE 103–2007). For a direct 

exhaust system, insulate the minimum-length 

vent configuration or the 5-ft flue pipe with 

insulation having an R-value not less than 7 

and an outer layer of aluminum foil. For a 

direct vent system, see section 7.5 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 for insulation 

requirements. 

b. For units with power burners, cover the 

flue collection box with insulation having an 

R-value of not less than 7 and an outer layer 

of aluminum foil before the cool-down and 

heat-up tests described in sections 9.5 and 

9.6 of ASHRAE 103–2007, respectively. 

However, do not apply the insulation for the 

jacket loss test (if conducted) described in 

section 8.6 of ASHRAE 103–2007 or the 

steady-state test described in section 9.1 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007. 

c. For power-vented units, insulate the 

shroud surrounding the blower impeller with 

insulation having an R-value of not less than 

7 and an outer layer of aluminum foil before 


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the cool-down and heat-up tests described in 

sections 9.5 and 9.6 of ASHRAE 103–2007. 

Do not apply the insulation for the jacket loss 

test (if conducted) described in section 8.6 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 or the steady-state test 

described in section 9.1 of ASHRAE 103– 

2007. Do not insulate the blower motor or 

block the airflow openings that facilitate the 

cooling of the combustion blower motor or 

bearings. 

6.3 Downflow furnaces. Install an internal 

section of vent pipe the same size as the flue 

collar for connecting the flue collar to the top 

of the unit, if not supplied by the 

manufacturer. Do not insulate the internal 

vent pipe during the jacket loss test (if 

conducted) described in section 8.6 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 or the steady-state test 

described in section 9.1 of ASHRAE 103– 

2007. Do not insulate the internal vent pipe 

before the cool-down and heat-up tests 

described in sections 9.5 and 9.6, 

respectively, of ASHRAE 103–2007. If the 

vent pipe is surrounded by a metal jacket, do 

not insulate the metal jacket. Install a 5-ft test 

stack of the same cross-sectional area or 

perimeter as the vent pipe above the top of 

the furnace. Tape or seal around the junction 

connecting the vent pipe and the 5-ft test 

stack. Insulate the 5-ft test stack with 

insulation having an R-value not less than 7 

and an outer layer of aluminum foil. (See 

Figure 3–A & B of ASHRAE 103–2007.) 

6.4 Units with Draft Hoods or Draft 

Diverters. Install the stack damper in 

accordance with the I&O manual. Install five 

feet of stack above the damper. 

a. For units with an integral draft diverter, 

cover the 5-ft stack with insulation having an 

R-value of not less than 7 and an outer layer 

of aluminum foil. 

b. For units with draft hoods, insulate the 

flue pipe between the outlet of the furnace 

and the draft hood with insulation having an 

R-value of not less than 7 and an outer layer 

of aluminum foil. 

c. For units with integral draft diverters 

that are mounted in an exposed position (not 

inside the overall unit cabinet), cover the 

diverter boxes (excluding any openings 

through which draft relief air flows) before 

the beginning of any test (including jacket 

loss test) with insulation having an R-value 

of not less than 7 and an outer layer of 

aluminum foil. 

d. For units equipped with integral draft 

diverters that are enclosed within the overall 

unit cabinet, insulate the draft diverter box 

with insulation as described above before the 

cool-down and heat-up tests described in 

sections 9.5 and 9.6, respectively, of 

ASHRAE Standard 103–2007. Do not apply 

the insulation for the jacket loss test (if 

conducted) described in section 8.6 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 or the steady-state test 

described in section 9.1 of ASHRAE 103– 

2007. 

6.5 Condensate Collection. Condensate 

drain lines shall be attached to the unit as 

specified in the I&O manual. A continuous 

downward slope of drain lines from the unit 

shall be maintained. Additional precautions 

(such as eliminating any line configuration or 

position that would otherwise restrict or 

block the flow of condensate or checking to 

ensure a proper connection with condensate 

drain spout that allows for unobstructed 

flow) shall be taken to facilitate 

uninterrupted flow of condensate during the 

test. Collection containers must be glass or 

polished stainless steel to facilitate removal 

of interior deposits. The collection container 

shall have a vent opening to the atmosphere. 

7.0 Testing conditions. The testing 

conditions shall be as specified in section 8 

of ASHRAE 103–2007 (incorporated by 

reference, see § 430.3), except for section 

8.2.1.3, 8.3.3.1, 8.4.1.1, 8.4.1.1.2, 8.4.1.2, 

8.4.2.1.4, 8.4.2.1.6, 8.6.1.1, 8.7.2, and 8.8.3; 

and as specified in sections 7.1 to 7.10 of this 

appendix, respectively. 

7.1 Fuel Supply, Gas. In conducting the 

tests specified herein, gases with 

characteristics as shown in Table 1 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 shall be used. The gas 

supply, ahead of all controls for a furnace, 

shall be maintained at a test pressure 

between the normal and increased values 

shown in Table 1 of ASHRAE 103–2007. 

Maintain the regulator outlet pressure at a 

level approximating that recommended in 

the I&O manual, as defined in section 2.7 of 

this appendix, or, in the absence of such 

recommendation, to the nominal regulator 

settings used when the product is shipped by 

the manufacturer. Use a gas having a specific 

gravity as shown in Table 1 and with a higher 

heating value within ±5% of the higher 

heating value shown in Table 1 of ASHRAE 

103–2007. Determine the actual higher 

heating value in Btu per standard cubic foot 

for the gas to be used in the test with an error 

no greater than 1%. 

7.2 Installation of Piping. Install piping 

equipment in accordance with the I&O 

manual. In the absence of such specification, 

install piping in accordance with section 

8.3.1.1 of ASHRAE 103–2007. 

7.3 Gas Burner. Adjust the burners of gasfired furnaces and boilers to their maximum 

Btu input ratings at the normal test pressure 

specified by section 8.2.1.3 of ASHRAE 103– 

2007. Correct the burner input rate to reflect 

gas characteristics at a temperature of 60 °F 

and atmospheric pressure of 30 in. of Hg and 

adjust to within ±2 percent of the hourly Btu 

nameplate input rating as measured during 

the steady-state performance test described 

below. Adjust the combustion airflow to 

achieve an excess air ratio, flue O2

percentage, or flue CO2 percentage to within 

the middle 30th percentile of the acceptable 

range specified in the I&O manual. In the 

absence of such specification, adjust the 

combustion airflow to provide between 6.9 

percent and 7.1 percent dry flue gas O2, or 

the lowest dry flue gas O2 percentage that 

produces a stable flame, no carbon deposits, 

and an air-free flue gas CO ratio below 400 

parts per million during the steady-state test 

described in section 9.1 of ASHRAE 103– 

2007, whichever is higher. After the steadystate performance test has been started, do 

not make additional adjustments to the 

burners during the required series of 

performance tests specified in section 9 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007. If a vent-limiting means 

is provided on a gas pressure regulator, keep 

it in place during all tests. 

7.4 Modulating Gas Burner Adjustment at 

Reduced Input Rate. For gas-fired furnaces 

and boilers equipped with modulating-type 

controls, adjust the controls to operate the 

unit at the nameplate minimum input rate. If 

the modulating control is of a non-automatic 

type, adjust the control to the setting 

recommended in the I&O manual. In the 

absence of such recommendation, the 

midpoint setting of the non-automatic control 

shall be used as the setting for determining 

the reduced fuel input rate. Start the furnace 

or boiler by turning the safety control valve 

to the ‘‘ON’’ position. For boilers, use a 

supply water temperature that will allow for 

continuous operation without shutoff by the 

control. If necessary to achieve such 

continuous operation, supply water may be 

increased above 120 °F; in such cases, 

gradually increase the supply water 

temperature to determine what minimum 

supply water temperature, with a 20 °F 

temperature rise across the boiler, will be 

needed to adjust for the minimum input rate 

at the reduced input rate control setting. 

Monitor regulated gas pressure out of the 

modulating control valve (or entering the 

burner) to determine when no further 

reduction of gas pressure results. The flow 

rate of water through the boiler shall be 

adjusted to achieve a 20 °F temperature rise. 

7.5 Oil Burner. Adjust the burners of oilfired furnaces or boilers to give a CO2 reading 

within the middle 30th percentile of the 

acceptable range specified in the I&O 

manual. In the absence of such specification, 

adjust the airflow through the burner to 

achieve a dry flue gas CO2 percentage 

between 10.0 percent and 10.4 percent, or a 

dry flue gas CO2 percentage that results in 

flue gas smoke that does not exceed No. 1 

smoke during the steady-state performance 

test as measured by the procedure in ASTM– 

D2156 (incorporated by reference; see 

§ 430.3), whichever is lower. Adjust the fuel 

input rate to within ±2 percent of the highest 

nameplate input rate. Maintain the average 

draft over the fire and in the flue during the 

steady-state performance test within the 

middle 30th percentile of the ranges 

specified in the I&O manual. In the absence 

of such specification, maintain the lowest 

draft that produces either flue CO2 levels or 

smoke values within the ranges stipulated in 

this paragraph. Do not allow draft 

fluctuations exceeding 0.005 in. water. Do 

not make additional adjustments to the 

burner during the required series of 

performance tests. The instruments and 

measuring apparatus for this test are 

described in section 6 of this appendix and 

shown in Figure 8 of ASHRAE 103–2007. 

7.6 Air throughputs shall be adjusted to 

a temperature rise that is the higher of a and 

b, unless c applies. 

a. 15 °F less than the nameplate maximum 

temperature rise or 

b. 15 °F higher than the minimum 

temperature rise specified in the I&O manual. 

c. A furnace with a non-adjustable air 

temperature rise range and an automatically 

controlled airflow that does not permit a 

temperature rise range of 30 °F or more shall 

be tested at the midpoint of the rise range. 

A tolerance of ±2 °F is permitted. 

7.7 The specified temperature rise shall 

be established by adjusting the circulating 

airflow. This adjustment shall be 

accomplished by symmetrically restricting 


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the outlet air duct and varying blower speed 

selection to obtain the desired temperature 

rise and minimum external static pressure, as 

specified in Table 4 of ASHRAE 103–2007. 

If the required temperature rise cannot be 

obtained at the minimum specified external 

static pressure by adjusting blower speed 

selection and duct outlet restriction, then the 

following applies. 

a. If the resultant temperature rise is less 

than the required temperature rise, vary the 

blower speed by gradually adjusting the 

blower voltage so as to maintain the 

minimum external static pressure listed in 

Table 4 of ASHRAE 103–2007. The airflow 

restrictions shall then remain unchanged. If 

static pressure must be varied to prevent 

unstable blower operation, it shall be varied 

on the plus side but shall not exceed the 

maximum external static pressure as 

specified by the manufacturer in the I&O 

manual. 

b. If the resultant temperature rise is 

greater than the required temperature rise, 

then the unit can be tested at a higher 

temperature rise value, but one not greater 

than nameplate maximum temperature rise. 

In order not to exceed the maximum 

temperature rise, the speed of a direct-driven 

blower may be increased by increasing the 

circulating air blower motor voltage. 

7.8 Measurement of Jacket Surface 

Temperature. The jacket of the furnace or 

boiler shall be subdivided into 6-inch squares 

when practical, and otherwise into 36- 

square-inch regions comprising 4 in. × 9 in. 

or 3 in. × 12 in. sections, and the surface 

temperature at the center of each square or 

section shall be determined with a surface 

thermocouple. The 36-square-inch areas shall 

be recorded in groups where the temperature 

differential of the 36-square-inch area is less 

than 10 °F for temperature up to 100 °F above 

room temperature, and less than 20 °F for 

temperature more than 100 °F above room 

temperature. For forced air central furnaces, 

the circulating air blower compartment is 

considered as part of the duct system, and no 

surface temperature measurement of the 

blower compartment needs to be recorded for 

the purpose of this test. For downflow 

furnaces, measure all cabinet surface 

temperatures of the heat exchanger and 

combustion section, including the bottom 

around the outlet duct and the burner door, 

using the 36-square-inch thermocouple grid. 

The cabinet surface temperatures around the 

blower section do not need to be measured 

(See figure 3–E of ASHRAE 103–2007.) 

7.9 Installation of Vent System. Keep the 

vent or air intake system supplied by the 

manufacturer in place during all tests. Test 

units intended for installation with a variety 

of vent pipe lengths shall be tested with the 

minimum vent length as specified in the I&O 

manual, or a 5-ft flue pipe if there are no 

recommendations. Do not connect a furnace 

or boiler employing a direct vent system to 

a chimney or induced-draft source. Vent 

combustion products solely by using the 

venting incorporated in the furnace or boiler 

and the vent or air intake system supplied by 

the manufacturer. For units that are not 

designed to significantly preheat the 

incoming air, see 7.5 and Figure 4a or 4b of 

ASHRAE 103–2007. For units that do 

significantly preheat the incoming air, see 

Figure 4c or 4d of ASHRAE 103–2007. 

7.10 Additional Optional Method of 

Testing for Determining D P and D F for 

Furnaces and Boilers. On units whose design 

is such that there is no measurable airflow 

through the combustion chamber and heat 

exchanger when the burner(s) is (are) off (as 

determined by the optional test procedure in 

section 7.10.1 of this appendix), DF and DP

may be set equal to 0.05. 

7.10.1 Optional Test Method for 

Indicating the Absence of Flow through the 

Heat Exchanger. Manufacturers may use the 

following test protocol to determine whether 

air flows through the combustion chamber 

and heat exchanger when the burner(s) is 

(are) off using a smoke stick device. The 

minimum default draft factor (as allowed per 

sections 8.8.3 & 9.10 of ASHRAE 103–2007) 

may be used only for units determined 

pursuant to this protocol to have no airflow 

through the combustion chamber and heat 

exchanger. 

7.10.1.1 Test Conditions. Wait for two 

minutes following the termination of the 

furnace or boiler on-cycle before beginning 

the optional test method for indicating the 

absence of flow through the heat exchanger. 

7.10.1.2 Location of the Test Apparatus. 

After all air currents in the test location have 

been minimized, position the operable smoke 

stick/pencil accordingly based on the 

following equipment configuration: (a) For 

horizontal combustion air intakes, 

approximately 4 inches from the vertical 

plane at the termination of the intake vent 

and 4 inches below the bottom edge of the 

combustion air intake, or (b) for vertical 

combustion air intakes, approximately 4 

inches horizontal from vent perimeter at the 

termination of the intake vent and 4 inches 

down (parallel to the vertical axis of the 

vent). In the instance where the boiler 

combustion air intake is closer than 4 inches 

to the floor, place the smoke device directly 

on the floor without impeding the flow of 

smoke. 

Monitor the presence and the direction of 

the smoke flow. 

7.10.1.3 Duration of Test. Continue 

monitoring the release of smoke for 30 

seconds. 

7.10.1.4 Test Results. During visual 

assessment, determine whether there is any 

draw of smoke into the combustion air intake 

vent. 

If absolutely no smoke is drawn into the 

combustion air intake, the furnace or boiler 

meets the requirements to allow use of the 

minimum default draft factor pursuant to 

section 8.8.3 and/or section 9.10 of ASHRAE 

103–2007. 

If there is any smoke drawn into the intake, 

proceed with the methods of testing as 

prescribed in section 8.8 of ASHRAE 103– 

2007. 

8.0 Test procedure. Testing and 

measurements shall be as specified in section 

9 of ASHRAE 103–2007 (incorporated by 

reference, see § 430.3) except for sections 

9.1.2.1, 9.1.2.2.1, 9.1.2.2.2, 9.2, 9.5.1.1, 

9.5.1.2.1, 9.5.1.2.2, 9.5.2.1, 9.7.6, 9.7.4, and 

9.10; and as specified in sections 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 

8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 8.10, and 8.11 of 

this appendix, respectively. 

8.1 Conditions. Begin the steady-state 

performance test by operating the burner and 

the circulating air blower or water pump 

until steady-state conditions are attained, as 

indicated by visual confirmation of 

condensate production and a temperature 

variation in three successive readings, taken 

15 minutes apart, of not more than any of the 

following: 

a. 3 °F in the stack gas temperature for 

furnaces and boilers equipped with draft 

diverters; 

b. 5 °F in the flue gas temperature for 

furnaces and boilers equipped with either 

draft hoods, direct exhaust, or direct vent 

systems; 

c. 4 °F in the outlet water temperature for 

hot water boilers; 

d. 1 °F in the flue gas temperature for 

condensing furnaces and boilers; and 

e. 1 °F in the supply (outlet) water 

temperatures for condensing hot water 

boilers. 

8.2 Gas. Measure and record the steadystate gas input rate, including pilot gas, 

corrected to standard conditions of 60 °F and 

30 in. Hg. Use measured values of gas 

temperature and pressure at the meter and 

barometric pressure to correct the metered 

gas flow rate to the above standard 

conditions. Measure the steady-state electric 

power to the burner (PE) on units so 

equipped. For furnaces, measure the steadystate electrical power to the conditioned air 

blowers (BE). For hot water boilers, use a 

steady-state water pump power of BE = pump 

nameplate kW or 0.13 kW, if no pump is 

supplied. Measure the steady-state electric 

power to the secondary pump (BES) on units 

so equipped. Measure the steady-state 

electric power to the controls and gas valve 

(EO) on units so equipped. 

8.3 Oil. Measure and record the steadystate fuel input rate and the steady-state 

electrical power to the burner, PE, on units 

so equipped. For furnaces, measure the 

steady-state electrical power to the 

conditioned air blower, BE. For hot water 

boilers, use a steady-state water pump power 

of BE = pump nameplate kW or 0.13 kW, if 

no pump is supplied. Measure the steadystate electric power to the secondary pump 

(BES) on units so equipped. Measure the 

steady-state electric power to the controls 

and gas valve (EO) on units so equipped. 

8.4 Condensing Furnaces and Boilers, 

Measurement of Condensate Under SteadyState Conditions. For units with stepmodulating or two-stage controls, the test 

shall be conducted at both the maximum and 

reduced inputs. Begin a steady-state 

condensation collection after steady-state 

conditions are attained. Perform steady-state 

condensate collection for at least 30 minutes. 

Condensate mass shall be measured 

immediately at the end of the collection 

period to prevent evaporation loss from the 

sample. Fuel input shall be recorded for the 

30-minute condensate collection steady-state 

test period. Fuel higher heating value (HHV), 

temperature, and pressures necessary for 

determining fuel energy input (QC,SS) will be 

observed and recorded. The fuel quantity and 

HHV shall be measured with errors no greater 

than 1%. The humidity of the room air shall 

at no time exceed 80%. Determine the mass 


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of condensate for the steady-state test (MC,SS) 

in pounds by subtracting the tare container 

weight from the total container and 

condensate weight measured at the end of the 

30-minute condensate collection test period. 

8.5 Input to interrupted ignition device. 

For burners equipped with an interrupted 

ignition device, record the nameplate electric 

power used by the ignition device, PEIG, or 

record that PEIG = 0.4 kW if no nameplate 

power input is provided. Record the 

nameplate ignition device on-time interval, 

tIG, or, if the nameplate does not provide the 

ignition device on-time interval, measure the 

on-time interval with a stop watch at the 

beginning of the test, starting when the 

burner is turned on. Set tIG = 0 and PEIG = 

0 if the device on-time interval is less than 

or equal to 5 seconds after the burner is on. 

8.6 Cool-down test for gas- and oil-fueled 

gravity and forced air central furnaces 

without stack dampers and without 

adjustable fan control. Turn off the main 

burner after completing steady-state testing, 

and measure the flue gas temperature by 

means of the thermocouple grid described in 

section 7.6 of ASHRAE 103–2007 at 1.5 

minutes (TF,OFF(t3)) and 9 minutes (TF,OFF(t4)) 

after the burner shuts off. When taking these 

temperature readings, the integral draft 

diverter shall remain blocked and insulated, 

and the stack restriction shall remain in 

place. On atmospheric systems with an 

integral draft diverter or draft hood and 

equipped with either an electromechanical 

inlet damper or an electromechanical flue 

damper that closes within 10 seconds after 

the burner shuts off to restrict the flow 

through the heat exchanger in the off-cycle, 

bypass or adjust the control for the 

electromechanical damper so that the damper 

remains open during the cool-down test. For 

furnaces that employ post-purge, measure the 

length of the post-purge period with a 

stopwatch. The time from burner ‘‘OFF’’ to 

combustion blower ‘‘OFF’’ (electrically deenergized) shall be recorded as tP. If tP is 

designated by the I&O manual to be greater 

than 180 seconds, stop the combustion 

blower at 180 seconds and use that value for 

tP. Measure the flue gas temperature by 

means of the thermocouple grid described in 

section 7.6 of ASHRAE 103–2007 at the end 

of post-purge period, tP(TF,OFF (tP)), and at the 

time (1.5 + tP) minutes (TF,OFF(t3)) and (9.0 + 

tP) minutes (TF,OFF(t4)) after the main burner 

shuts off. If the measured tP is less than or 

equal to 30 seconds, set tP at 0 and conduct 

the cool-down test as if there is no postpurge. 

8.7 Cool-down test for gas- and oil-fueled 

gravity and forced air central furnaces 

without stack dampers and with adjustable 

fan control. For a furnace with adjustable fan 

control, the time delay, tP, will be until the 

supply air temperature drops to a value of 40 

°F above the inlet air temperature or 3 

minutes for non-condensing furnaces and 1.5 

minutes for condensing furnaces, whichever 

is longer. For a furnace with adjustable fan 

control with a range of adjustment that does 

not allow for the time delay specified above, 

the fan control shall be bypassed and the fan 

manually controlled to allow for the 

appropriate delay time, as specified in 

section 8.6 of this appendix (case equivalent 

to a central furnace without adjustable fan 

control). For a furnace that employs a single 

motor to drive both the power burner and the 

indoor air circulating blower, the power 

burner and indoor air circulating blower 

shall be turned off at the same time. 

8.8 Cool-down test for gas- and oil-fueled 

boilers without stack dampers. After steadystate testing has been completed, turn the 

main burner(s) ‘‘OFF’’ and measure the flue 

gas temperature at 3.75 minutes (temperature 

designated as TF,OFF(t3)) and 22.5 minutes 

(temperature designated as TF,OFF(t4)) after 

the burner shut-off using the thermocouple 

grid described in section 7.6 of ASHRAE 

103–2007. 

a. During this off-period, for units that do 

not have pump delay after shut-off, no water 

shall be allowed to circulate through the hot 

water boilers. 

b. For units that have pump delay on shutoff, except those having pump controls 

sensing water temperature, the pump shall be 

stopped by the unit control and the time 

between burner shut-off and pump shut-off 

(t+) shall be measured and recorded to the 

nearest second. 

c. For units having pump delay controls 

that sense water temperature, the pump shall 

be operated for 15 minutes and t+ shall be 

recorded as 15 minutes. While the pump is 

operating, the inlet water temperature and 

flow rate shall be maintained at the same 

values as during the steady-state test, as 

specified in sections 9.1 and 8.4.2.3 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007. 

d. For boilers that employ post-purge, 

measure the length of the post-purge period 

with a stopwatch. The time from burner 

‘‘OFF’’ to combustion blower ‘‘OFF’’ 

(electrically de-energized) shall be recorded 

as tP. If tP is designated by the I & O manual 

to be greater than 180 seconds, stop the 

combustion blower at 180 seconds and use 

that value for tP. Measure the flue gas 

temperature by means of the thermocouple 

grid described in section 7.6 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 at the end of the post-purge period 

tP (TF,OFF(tP)) and at (3.75 + tP) minutes 

(TF,OFF(t3)) and (22.5 + tP) minutes (TF,OFF(t4)) 

after the main burner shuts off. If the 

measured tP is less than or equal to 30 

seconds, record tP as 0 and conduct the cooldown test as if there is no post-purge. 

8.9 Direct measurement of off-cycle losses 

testing method. [Reserved.] 

8.10 Calculation options. The rate of the 

flue gas mass flow through the furnace and 

the factors DP, DF, and DS are calculated by 

the equations in sections 11.6.4, 11.7.1, and 

11.7.2 of ASHRAE 103–2007. On units whose 

design is such that there is no measurable 

airflow through the combustion chamber and 

heat exchanger when the burner(s) is (are) off 

(as determined by the optional test procedure 

in section 7.10.1 of this appendix), DF and DP

may be set equal to 0.05. 

8.11 Optional test procedures for 

condensing furnaces and boilers that have no 

off-period flue losses. For units that have 

applied the test method in section 7.10 of 

this appendix to determine that no 

measurable airflow exists through the 

combustion chamber and heat exchanger 

during the burner off-period and having postpurge periods of less than 5 seconds, DF and 

DP may be set equal to 0.05. At the discretion 

of the one testing, the cool-down and heatup tests specified in sections 9.5 and 9.6 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 may be omitted on such 

units. In lieu of conducting the cool-down 

and heat-up tests, the tester may use the 

losses determined during the steady-state test 

described in section 9.1 of ASHRAE 103– 

2007 when calculating heating seasonal 

efficiency, EffyHS. 

8.12 Measurement of electrical standby 

and off mode power. 

8.12.1 Standby power measurement. With 

all electrical auxiliaries of the furnace or 

boiler not activated, measure the standby 

power (PW,SB) in accordance with the 

procedures in IEC 62301 (incorporated by 

reference, see § 430.3), except that section 

8.5, Room Ambient Temperature, of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 (incorporated by 

reference, see § 430.3) and the voltage 

provision of section 8.2.1.4, Electrical 

Supply, of ASHRAE 103–2007 shall apply in 

lieu of the corresponding provisions of IEC 

62301 at section 4.2, Test room, and the 

voltage specification of section 4.3, Power 

supply. Frequency shall be 60Hz. Measure 

the wattage so that all possible standby mode 

wattage for the entire appliance is recorded, 

not just the standby mode wattage of a single 

auxiliary. Round the recorded standby power 

(PW,SB) to the second decimal place, except 

for loads greater than or equal to 10W, which 

must be recorded to at least three significant 

figures. 

8.12.2 Off mode power measurement. If 

the unit is equipped with an off switch or 

there is an expected difference between off 

mode power and standby mode power, 

measure off mode power (PW,OFF) in 

accordance with the standby power 

procedures in IEC 62301 (incorporated by 

reference, see § 430.3), except that section 

8.5, Room Ambient Temperature, of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 (incorporated by 

reference, see § 430.3) and the voltage 

provision of section 8.2.1.4, Electrical 

Supply, of ASHRAE 103–2007 shall apply in 

lieu of the corresponding provisions of IEC 

62301 at section 4.2, Test room, and the 

voltage specification of section 4.3, Power 

supply. Frequency shall be 60Hz. Measure 

the wattage so that all possible off mode 

wattage for the entire appliance is recorded, 

not just the off mode wattage of a single 

auxiliary. If there is no expected difference 

in off mode power and standby mode power, 

let PW,OFF = PW,SB, in which case no separate 

measurement of off mode power is necessary. 

Round the recorded off mode power (PW,OFF) 

to the second decimal place, except for loads 

greater than or equal to 10W, which must be 

recorded to at least three significant figures. 

9.0 Nomenclature. Nomenclature shall 

include the nomenclature specified in 

section 10 of ASHRAE Standard 103–2007 

(incorporated by reference, see § 430.3) and 

the following additional variables: 

Effmotor= Efficiency of power burner motor 

PEIG = Electrical power to the interrupted 

ignition device, kW 

RT,a = RT,F if flue gas is measured 

= RT,S if stack gas is measured 

RT,F = Ratio of combustion air mass flow rate 

to stoichiometric air mass flow rate 


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RT,S = Ratio of the sum of combustion air and 

relief air mass flow rate to stoichiometric 

air mass flow rate 

tIG = Electrical interrupted ignition device 

on-time, min. 

Ta,SS,X = TF,SS,X if flue gas temperature is 

measured, °F 

= TS,SS,X if stack gas temperature is 

measured, °F 

yIG = Ratio of electrical interrupted ignition 

device on-time to average burner on-time 

yP = Ratio of power burner combustion 

blower on-time to average burner ontime 

BES = Secondary boiler pump electrical 

energy input rate at full-load steady-state 

operation, if present 

EO = Gas valve and controls combined 

electrical energy input rate at full-load 

steady-state operation, if present 

ESO = Average annual electric standby mode 

and off mode energy consumption, in 

kilowatt-hours 

PW,OFF = Furnace or boiler off mode power, 

in watts 

PW,SB = Furnace or boiler standby mode 

power, in watts 

10.0 Calculation of derived results from 

test measurements. Calculations shall be as 

specified in section 11 of ASHRAE 103–2007 

(incorporated by reference, see § 430.3), 

except for sections 11.5.11.1, 11.5.11.2, and 

appendices B and C; and as specified in 

sections 10.1 through 10.12 and Figure 1 of 

this appendix. 

10.1 Heating Seasonal Efficiency and 

AFUE for Electric Furnaces and Boilers. The 

heating seasonal efficiency for various types 

of electric furnaces and boilers, EffyHS–E, is 

determined as follows: 

EffyHS–E = 100 (for indoor units) 

EffyHS–E = 100–3.3LJ (for electric forced-air 

central furnaces intended for outdoor 

installation) 

EffyHS–E = 100–1.7LJ (for electric forced-air 

central furnaces intended for installation 

in a location identical to isolated 

combustion system installation) 

EffyHS–E = 100–4.7LJ (for electric boilers 

intended for outdoor installation) 

EffyHS–E = 100–2.4LJ (for electric boilers 

intended for installation in a location 

identical to isolated combustion system 

installation) 

Where 

LJ = jacket loss as determined in section 8.6 

of ASHRAE 103–2007, % 

AFUE = EffyHS–E

10.2 Annual fuel utilization efficiency. 

The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) 

is as defined in sections 11.2.12 (noncondensing systems), 11.3.12 (condensing 

systems), 11.4.12 (non-condensing 

modulating systems) and 11.5.12 (condensing 

modulating systems) of ASHRAE 103–2007, 

except for the definition for the term EffyHS

in the defining equation for AFUE. EffyHS is 

defined as: 

EffyHS = heating seasonal efficiency as 

defined in sections 11.2.11 (noncondensing systems), 11.3.11 

(condensing systems), 11.4.11 (noncondensing modulating systems) and 

11.5.11 (condensing modulating systems) 

of ASHRAE 103–2007, except that for 

condensing modulating systems sections 

11.5.11.1 and 11.5.11.2 are replaced by 

sections 10.3 and 10.4 of this appendix. 

EffyHS is based on the assumptions that 

all weatherized warm air furnaces or 

boilers are located outdoors, that nonweatherized warm air furnaces are 

installed as isolated combustion systems, 

and that non-weatherized boilers are 

installed indoors. 

10.3 Part-Load Efficiency at Reduced Fuel 

Input Rate. If the option in section 9.10 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 is not employed, 

calculate the part-load efficiency at the 

reduced fuel input rate, EffyU,R, for 

condensing furnaces and boilers equipped 

with either step-modulating or two-stage 

controls, expressed as a percent and defined 

as: 

If the option in section 9.10 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 is employed, calculate EffyU,R as 

follows: 

Where: 

LL,A = value as defined in section 11.2.7 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007, 

LG = value as defined in section 11.3.11.1 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007, at reduced input 

rate, 

LC = value as defined in section 11.3.11.2 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 at reduced input 

rate, 

LJ = value as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 at maximum input 

rate, 

tON = value as defined in section 11.4.9.11 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007, 

QP = pilot fuel input rate determined in 

accordance with section 9.2 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 in Btu/h, 

QIN = value as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 

of ASHRAE 103–2007, 

tOFF = value as defined in section 11.4.9.12 

of ASHRAE 103–2007 at reduced input 

rate, 

LS,ON = value as defined in section 11.4.10.5 

of ASHRAE 103–2007 at reduced input 

rate, 

LS,OFF = value as defined in section 11.4.10.6 

of ASHRAE 103–2007 at reduced input 

rate, 

LI,ON = value as defined in section 11.4.10.7 

of ASHRAE 103–2007 at reduced input 

rate, 

LI,OFF = value as defined in section 11.4.10.8 

of ASHRAE 103–2007 at reduced input 

rate, 

CJ = jacket loss factor and equal to: 

= 0.0 for furnaces or boilers intended to be 

installed indoors 

= 1.7 for furnaces intended to be installed 

as isolated combustion systems 

= 2.4 for boilers (other than finned-tube 

boilers) intended to be installed as 

isolated combustion systems 

= 3.3 for furnaces intended to be installed 

outdoors 

= 4.7 for boilers (other than finned-tube 

boilers) intended to be installed outdoors 

= 1.0 for finned-tube boilers intended to be 

installed outdoors 

= 0.5 for finned-tube boilers intended to be 

installed in isolated combustion system 

applications 


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LS,SS = value as defined in section 11.5.6 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 at reduced input 

rate, 

CS = value as defined in section 11.5.10.1 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 at reduced input 

rate. 

10.4 Part-Load Efficiency at Maximum 

Fuel Input Rate. If the option in section 9.10 

of ASHRAE 103–2007 is not employed, 

calculate the part-load efficiency at 

maximum fuel input rate, EffyU,H, for 

condensing furnaces and boilers equipped 

with two-stage controls, expressed as a 

percent and defined as: 

If the option in section 9.10 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 is employed, calculate EffyU,H as 

follows: 

Where: 

LL,A = value as defined in section 11.2.7 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007, 

LG = value as defined in section 11.3.11.1 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 at maximum input 

rate, 

LC = value as defined in section 11.3.11.2 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 at maximum input 

rate, 

LJ = value as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 at maximum input 

rate, 

tON = value as defined in section 11.4.9.11 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007, 

QP = pilot fuel input rate determined in 

accordance with section 9.2 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 in Btu/h, 

QIN = value as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 

of ASHRAE 103–2007, 

tOFF = value as defined in section 11.4.9.12 

of ASHRAE 103–2007 at maximum input 

rate, 

LS,ON = value as defined in section 11.4.10.5 

of ASHRAE 103–2007 at maximum input 

rate, 

LS,OFF = value as defined in section 11.4.10.6 

of ASHRAE 103–2007 at maximum input 

rate, 

LI,ON = value as defined in section 11.4.10.7 

of ASHRAE 103–2007 at maximum input 

rate, 

LI,OFF = value as defined in section 11.4.10.8 

of ASHRAE 103–2007 at maximum input 

rate, 

CJ = value as defined in section 10.3 of this 

appendix, 

LS,SS = value as defined in section 11.5.6 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 at maximum input 

rate, 

CS = value as defined in section 11.5.10.1 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 at maximum input 

rate. 

10.5 National average burner operating 

hours, average annual fuel energy 

consumption, and average annual auxiliary 

electrical energy consumption for gas or oil 

furnaces and boilers. 

10.5.1 National average number of burner 

operating hours. For furnaces and boilers 

equipped with single-stage controls, the 

national average number of burner operating 

hours is defined as: 

BOHSS = 2,080 (0.77) (A) (QOUT/(1 + a)) 

¥2,080 (B) 

Where: 

2,080 = national average heating load hours 

0.77 = adjustment factor to adjust the 

calculated design heating requirement 

and heating load hours to the actual 

heating load experienced by the heating 

system 

A = 100,000/[341,300(yP PE + yIG PEIG + y 

BE) + (QIN ¥QP)EffyHS], for forced draft 

unit, indoors 

= 100,000/[341,300(yP PE Effmotor + yIG PEIG

+ y BE) + (QIN ¥QP) EffyHS], for forced 

draft unit, ICS, 

= 100,000/[341,300(yP PE(1¥Effmotor) + yIG

PEIG + y BE) + (QIN ¥QP) EffyHS], for 

induced draft unit, indoors, and 

= 100,000/[341,300(yIG PEIG + y BE) + (QIN

¥QP) EffyHS], for induced draft unit, ICS 

B = 2 QP (EffyHS)(A)/100,000 

Where: 

Effmotor = Power burner motor efficiency 

provided by manufacturer, 

= 0.50, an assumed default power burner 

efficiency if not provided by 

manufacturer. 

100,000 = factor that accounts for percent 

and kBtu 

PE = burner electrical power input at fullload steady-state operation, including 

electrical ignition device if energized, as 

defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 

103–2007. 

yP = ratio of induced or forced draft blower 

on-time to average burner on-time, as 

follows: 

1 for units without post-purge; 

1 + (tP/tON) for single-stage furnaces or 

boilers with post-purge; 

PEIG = electrical input rate to the interrupted 

ignition device on burner (if employed), 

as defined in section 8.5 of this appendix 

yIG = ratio of burner interrupted ignition 

device on-time to average burner ontime, as follows: 

0 for burners not equipped with 

interrupted ignition device; 

(tIG/tON) for single-stage furnaces or boilers. 

tIG = on-time of the burner interrupted 

ignition device, as defined in section 8.5 

of this appendix 

tP = post-purge time as defined in section 8.6 

or 8.7 (furnace) or section 8.8 (boiler) of 

this appendix 

= 0 if tP is equal to or less than 30 second. 

y = ratio of blower or pump on-time to 

average burner on-time, as follows: 

1 for furnaces without fan delay or boilers 

without a pump delay; 

1+(t+ ¥ t¥)/tON for furnaces with fan delay 

or boilers with pump delay; 

BE = circulating air fan or water pump 

electrical energy input rate at full-load 

steady-state operation, as defined in 

section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103–2007 

QIN = as defined in section 11.2.8.1 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

QP = as defined in section 11.2.11 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

EffyHS = as defined in section 11.2.11 (noncondensing systems) or section 11.3.11.3 

(condensing systems) of ASHRAE 

Standard 103–2007, percent, and 

calculated on the basis of: 

isolated combustion system installation, 

for non-weatherized warm air furnaces; 

indoor installation, for non-weatherized 

boilers; or 


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outdoor installation, for furnaces and 

boilers that are weatherized. 

2 = ratio of the average length of the heating 

season in hours to the average heating 

load hours 

t+ = as defined in section 9.5.1.2 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 or section 8.8 of this appendix 

t¥ = as defined in section 9.6.1 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 

tON = average burner on-time per cycle as 

defined in Table 7 of ASHRAE 103–2007 

QOUT = as defined in section 11.2.8 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

a = as defined in section 11.2.8.2 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 

10.5.1.1 For furnaces and boilers 

equipped with two-stage or step-modulating 

controls, the national average number of 

burner operating hours at the reduced 

operating mode is defined as: 

BOHR = XR (2,080) (0.77) (AR) (QOUT/(1+a)) 

¥2,080 (BR) 

Where: 

AR = 100,000/[341,300(yP,R PER+yIG,R PEIG,R

+yRBER)+(QIN,R ¥ QP)EffyU,R], for forced 

draft unit, indoors 

= 100,000/[341,300(yP,R PER Effmotor + yIG,R

PEIG,R +yRBER)+(QIN,R ¥ QP) EffyU,R], for 

forced draft unit, isolated combustion 

system, 

= 100,000/[341,300(yP,R PER (1-Effmotor)+ 

yIG,R PEIG,R +yRBER)+(QIN,R ¥ QP) 

EffyU,R], for induced draft unit, indoors, 

and 

= 100,000/[341,300(yIG,R PEIG,R

+yRBER)+(QIN,R ¥ QP) EffyU,R], for 

induced draft unit, isolated combustion 

system 

BR = 2 QP (EffyU,R)(AR)/100,000 

XR = as defined in section 11.4.8.6 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

QIN,R = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.2 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

EffyU,R = average part load efficiency at the 

reduced fuel input rate as defined in 

section 11.4.11.1 of ASHRAE 103–2007 

PEIG,R = electrical input rate to the 

interrupted ignition device on burner (if 

employed), as defined in section 8.5 of 

this appendix and measured at the 

reduced fuel input rate. 

yIG,R = ratio of burner interrupted ignition 

device on-time to average burner ontime, as follows: 

0 for burners not equipped with an 

interrupted ignition device; (tIG/tON,R) 

otherwise; 

tIG = on-time of the burner interrupted 

ignition device, as defined in section 8.5 

of this appendix 

PER = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 and measured at the 

reduced fuel input rate. 

yP,R = ratio of induced or forced draft blower 

on-time to average burner on-time, as 

follows: 

1 for units without post-purge; 

1+(tP/tON,R) for furnaces or boilers with 

post-purge; 

tP,R = post-purge time measured at the 

reduced fuel input rate as defined for tP

in sections 8.6 or 8.7 (furnace) or section 

8.8 (boiler) of this appendix. 

= 0 if tP,R is equal to or less than 30 second. 

BER = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 and measured at the 

reduced fuel input rate. 

yR = ratio of blower or pump on-time to 

average burner on-time, determined as 

follows: 

1 for furnaces without fan delay or boilers 

without a pump delay; 

1+(tR+ ¥tR¥)/tON,R for furnaces with fan 

delay or oilers with pump delay. 

tR+ = delay time between burner shutoff and 

the blower or pump shutoff measured at 

the reduced fuel input rate as defined for 

t+ in section 9.5.1.2 of ASHRAE 103– 

2007 (furnace) or section 8.8 of this 

appendix (boiler). 

tR¥ = as defined in section 9.6.1 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 and measured at the reduced 

fuel input rate. 

tON,R = average burner on-time per cycle as 

defined in Table 7 of ASHRAE 103–2007 

and measured at the reduced fuel input 

rate. 

QOUT = as defined in section 11.2.8 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

a = as defined in section 11.2.8.2 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 

10.5.1.2 For furnaces and boilers 

equipped with two-stage controls, the 

national average number of burner operating 

hours at the maximum operating mode is 

defined as: 

BOHH = XH (2,080) (0.77) (AH) (QOUT/(1+a)) 

¥ 2,080 (BH) 

Where: 

AH = 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH+yIG,H PEIG,H

+yHBEH)+(QIN ¥ QP)EffyU,H], for forced 

draft unit, indoors 

= 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH Effmotor + yIG,H

PEIG,H +yHBEH)+(QIN¥ QP) EffyU,H], for 

forced draft unit, isolated combustion 

system, 

= 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH (1-Effmotor)+ 

yIG,H PEIG,H +yHBEH)+(QIN ¥ QP) 

EffyU,H], for induced draft unit, indoors, 

and 

= 100,000/[341,300(yIG,H PEIG,H

+yHBEH)+(QIN-QP) EffyU,H], for induced 

draft unit, isolated combustion system 

BR = 2 QP (EffyU,H)(AH)/100,000 

XH = as defined in section 11.4.8.5 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

QIN = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

EffyU,H = average part load efficiency at the 

maximum fuel input rate as defined in 

section 11.4.11.2 of ASHRAE 103–2007 

PEIG,H = value as defined in section 8.5 of 

this appendix and measured at the 

maximum fuel input rate 

yIG,H = ratio of burner interrupted ignition 

device on-time to average burner ontime, as follows: 

0 for burners not equipped with 

interrupted ignition device; (tIG/tON,H) 

otherwise 

tIG = on-time of the burner interrupted 

ignition device, as defined in section 8.5 

of this appendix 

PEH = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 and measured at the 

maximum fuel input rate 

yP,H = ratio of induced or forced draft blower 

on-time to average burner on-time, as 

follows: 

1 for units without post-purge; 

1+(tP/tON,H) for furnaces or boilers with 

post-purge; 

tP,H = post-purge time measured at the 

maximum fuel input rate as defined for 

tP in sections 8.6 or 8.7 (furnace) or 

section 8.8 (boiler) of this appendix 

= 0 if tP,H is equal to or less than 30 second 

BEH = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 and measured at the 

maximum fuel input rate 

yH = ratio of blower or pump on-time to 

average burner on-time, as follows: 

1 for furnaces without fan delay or boilers 

without a pump delay; 

1+ (tH+¥tH¥)/tON,H for furnaces with fan 

delay or boilers with pump delay 

tH+ = delay time between burner shutoff and 

the blower or pump shutoff measured at 

the maximum fuel input rate as defined 

for t+ in section 9.5.1.2 of ASHRAE 103– 

2007 (furnace) or section 8.8 of this 

appendix (boiler) 

tH¥ = as defined in section 9.6.1 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 and measured at the maximum 

fuel input rate 

tON,H = average burner on-time per cycle as 

defined in Table 7 of ASHRAE Standard 

103–2007 and measured at the maximum 

fuel input rate 

QOUT = as defined in section 11.2.8 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

a = as defined in section 11.2.8.2 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 

10.5.1.3 For furnaces and boilers 

equipped with step-modulating controls, the 

national average number of burner operating 

hours at the modulating operating mode is 

defined as: 

BOHM = XM (2,080) (0.77) (AM) (QOUT/(1 + a)) 

¥2,080 (BM) 

Where: 

AM = 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH + yIG,H

PEIG,H + yHBEH) + (QIN,M¥QP)EffyU,M], 

for forced draft unit, indoors 

= 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH Effmotor + yIG,H

PEIG,H + yHBEH) + (QIN,M¥QP) EffyU,M], 

for forced draft unit, isolated combustion 

system, 

= 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH (1¥Effmotor) + 

yIG,H PEIG,H + yHBEH) + (QIN,M¥QP) 

EffyU,M], for induced draft unit, indoors, 

and 

= 100,000/[341,300(yIG,H PEIG,H + yHBEH) + 

(QIN,M¥QP) EffyU,M], for induced draft 

unit, isolated combustion system 

BR = 2 QP (EffyU,M)(AM)/100,000 

XH = as defined in section 11.4.8.5 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

QIN,M = (100)(QOUT,M/EffySS,M) 

QOUT,M = as defined in section 11.4.8.10 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

EffyU,M = average part-load efficiency at the 

modulating fuel input rate as defined in 

section 11.4.8.7 of ASHRAE 103–2007 

PEIG,H = value as defined in section 8.5 of 

this appendix and measured at the 

modulating fuel input rate 

yIG,H = ratio of burner interrupted ignition 

device on-time to average burner ontime, as follows: 

0 for burners not equipped with an 

interrupted ignition device; 

(tIG/tON,H) otherwise 

tIG = on-time of the burner interrupted 

ignition device, as defined in section 8.5 

of this appendix 


Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS3
12912 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules 

PEH = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 and measured at the 

maximum fuel input rate 

yP,H = ratio of induced or forced draft blower 

on-time to average burner on-time, as 

follows: 

1 for units without post-purge; 

1 + (tP/tON,H) for furnaces or boilers with 

post-purge; 

tP,H = post-purge time measured at the 

maximum fuel input rate as defined for 

tP in sections 8.6 or 8.7 (furnace) or 

section 8.8 (boiler) of this appendix 

= 0 if tP,H is equal to or less than 30 second 

BEH = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 and measured at the 

maximum fuel input rate 

yH = ratio of blower or pump on-time to 

average burner on-time, as follows: 

1 for furnaces without fan delay or boilers 

without a pump delay; 

1 + (tH+¥tH¥)/tON,H for furnaces with fan 

delay or boilers with pump delay 

tH+ = as defined in section 9.5.1.2 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 or section 8.8 of this appendix 

and measured at the maximum fuel 

input rate 

tH¥ = as defined in section 9.6.1 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 and measured at the maximum 

fuel input rate 

tON,H = average burner on-time per cycle as 

defined in Table 7 of ASHRAE 103–2007 

and measured at the maximum fuel 

input rate 

QOUT = as defined in section 11.2.8 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

a = as defined in section 11.2.8.2 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 

10.5.2 Average annual fuel energy 

consumption for gas or oil fueled furnaces or 

boilers. For furnaces or boilers equipped with 

single-stage controls, the average annual fuel 

energy consumption (EF) is expressed in Btu 

per year and defined as: 

EF = BOHSS (QIN ¥QP) + 8,760 QP

Where: 

BOHSS = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

QIN = as defined in section 11.2.8.1 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

QP = as defined in section 11.2.11 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

8,760 = total number of hours per year 

10.5.2.1 For furnaces or boilers equipped 

with two-stage controls, EF is defined as: 

EF = BOHH (QIN) + BOHR (QIN,R) + 

(8,760¥BOHH¥BOHR) QP

Where: 

BOHR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

BOHH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 

QIN,R = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.2 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

QIN = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

8,760 = as specified in section 10.5.2 of this 

appendix 

QP = as defined in section 11.2.11 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

10.5.2.2 For furnaces or boilers equipped 

with step-modulating controls, EF is defined 

as: 

EF = BOHM (QIN,M) + BOHR (QIN,R) + (8,760- 

BOHH ¥ BOHR) QP

Where: 

BOHR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

BOHM = as defined in section 10.5.1.3 of this 

appendix 

QIN,R = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.2 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007 

QIN,M = as defined in section 10.5.1.3 of this 

appendix 

8,760 = as specified in section 10.5.2 of this 

appendix 

QP =as defined in section 11.2.11 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 

10.5.3 Average annual auxiliary electrical 

energy consumption for gas or oil-fueled 

furnaces or boilers. For furnaces and boilers 

equipped with single-stage controls, the 

average annual auxiliary electrical 

consumption (EAE) is expressed in kilowatthours and defined as: 

EAE = BOHSS (yP PE + yIG PEIG + yBE + ySBES

+ yOEO) + ESO

Where: 

BOHSS = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

yP = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

PE = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

yIG = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

PEIG = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

y = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

BE = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

yS = ratio of secondary boiler pump on-time 

to average burner on-time, as follows: 

0 for furnaces; 

1 for boilers; 

BES = secondary boiler pump electrical 

energy input rate at full-load steady-state 

operation, if present 

yO = ratio of gas valve and controls combined 

on-time to average burner on-time, as 

follows: 

1 for furnaces or boilers; 

EO = gas valve and controls combined 

electrical energy input rate at full-load 

steady-state operation, if present 

ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this 

appendix 

10.5.3.1 For furnaces or boilers equipped 

with two-stage controls, EAE is defined as: 

EAE = BOHR (yP,R PER + yIG,R PEIG,R + yRBER

+ yS,R BES,R + yO,R BEO,R) + BOHH (yP,H

PEH + yIG,H PEIG,H + yH BEH + yS,H BES,H

+ yO,H BEO,H) + ESO

Where: 

BOHR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

yP,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

PER = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

yIG,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

PEIG,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

yR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

BER = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

yS,R = ratio of secondary boiler pump on-time 

to average burner on-time, as follows: 

0 for furnaces; 

1 for boilers; 

BES,R = secondary boiler pump electrical 

energy input rate at reduced load steadystate operation, if present 

yO,R = ratio of gas valve and controls 

combined on-time to average burner ontime, as follows: 

1 for furnaces or boilers; 

EO,R = gas valve and controls combined 

electrical energy input rate at reduced 

load steady-state operation, if present 

BOHH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 

yP,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 

PEH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 

yIG,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 

PEIG,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 

yH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 

BEH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 

yS,H = ratio of secondary boiler pump on-time 

to average burner on-time, as follows: 

0 for furnaces; 

1 for boilers; 

BES,H = secondary boiler pump electrical 

energy input rate at full-load steady-state 

operation, if present 

EO,H = gas valve and controls combined 

electrical energy input rate at full-load 

steady-state operation, if present 

ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this 

appendix 

10.5.3.2 For furnaces or boilers equipped 

with step-modulating controls, EAE is defined 

as: 

EAE = BOHR (yP,R PER + yIG,R PEIG,R + yRBER

+ yS,R BES,R + yO,R BEO,R) + BOHM (yP,H

PEH + yIG,H PEIG,H + yH BEH + yS,H BES,H

+ yO,H EO,H) + ESO

Where: 

BOHR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

yP,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

PER = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

yIG,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

PEIG,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

yR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

BER = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this 

appendix 

yS,R = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this 

appendix 

BES,R = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this 

appendix 

yO,R = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this 

appendix 

EO,R = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this 

appendix 

BOHM = as defined in section 10.5.1.3 of this 

appendix 

yP,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 

PEH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 


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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules 12913 

yIG,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 

PEIG,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 

yH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 

BEH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this 

appendix 

yS,H = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this 

appendix 

BES,H = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this 

appendix 

yO,H = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this 

appendix 

EO,H = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this 

appendix 

ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this 

appendix 

10.6 Average annual electric energy 

consumption for electric furnaces or boilers. 

EE = 100(2,080)(0.77)(QOUT/(1 + a))/(3.412 

AFUE) + ESO

Where: 

100 = to express a percent as a decimal 

2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

0.77 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

QOUT = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

a = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

3.412 = conversion to express energy in terms 

of watt-hours instead of Btu 

AFUE = as defined in section 11.1 of 

ASHRAE 103–2007, in percent, and 

calculated on the basis of: isolated 

combustion system installation, for nonweatherized warm air furnaces; indoor 

installation, for non-weatherized boilers; 

or outdoor installation, for furnaces and 

boilers that are weatherized 

ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this 

appendix 

10.7 Energy factor. 

10.7.1 Energy factor for gas or oil 

furnaces and boilers. Calculate the energy 

factor, EF, for gas or oil furnaces and boilers 

defined as, in percent: 

EF = (EF¥4,600 (QP))(EffyHS)/(EF¥3,412 

(EAE)) 

Where: 

EF = average annual fuel consumption as 

defined in section 10.5.2 of this 

appendix 

EAE = as defined in section 10.5.3 of this 

appendix 

EffyHS = Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency 

as defined in sections 11.2.11, 11.3.11, 

11.4.11 or 11.5.11 of ASHRAE 103–2007, 

in percent, and calculated on the basis 

of: isolated combustion system 

installation, for non-weatherized warm 

air furnaces; 

indoor installation, for non-weatherized 

boilers; or outdoor installation, for 

furnaces and boilers that are 

weatherized. 

3,412 = conversion factor from kilowatt to 

Btu/h 

10.7.2 Energy factor for electric furnaces 

and boilers. The energy factor, EF, for electric 

furnaces and boilers is defined as: 

EF = AFUE 

Where: 

AFUE = Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency 

as defined in section 10.6 of this 

appendix, in percent 

10.8 Average annual energy consumption 

for furnaces and boilers located in a different 

geographic region of the United States and in 

buildings with different design heating 

requirements. 

10.8.1 Average annual fuel energy 

consumption for gas or oil-fueled furnaces 

and boilers located in a different geographic 

region of the United States and in buildings 

with different design heating requirements. 

For gas or oil-fueled furnaces and boilers, the 

average annual fuel energy consumption for 

a specific geographic region and a specific 

typical design heating requirement (EFR) is 

expressed in Btu per year and defined as: 

EFR = (EF¥8,760 QP)(HLH/2,080) + 8,760 QP

Where: 

EF = as defined in section 10.5.2 of this 

appendix 

8,760 = as specified in section 10.5.2 of this 

appendix 

QP = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

HLH = heating load hours for a specific 

geographic region determined from the 

heating load hour map in Figure 1 of this 

appendix 

2,080 = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

10.8.2 Average annual auxiliary electrical 

energy consumption for gas or oil-fueled 

furnaces and boilers located in a different 

geographic region of the United States and in 

buildings with different design heating 

requirements. For gas or oil-fueled furnaces 

and boilers, the average annual auxiliary 

electrical energy consumption for a specific 

geographic region and a specific typical 

design heating requirement (EAER) is 

expressed in kilowatt-hours and defined as: 

EAER = (EAE ¥ESO) (HLH/2080) + ESOR

Where: 

EAE = as defined in section 10.5.3 of this 

appendix 

ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this 

appendix 

HLH = as defined in section 10.8.1 of this 

appendix 

2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

ESOR = as specified in section 10.8.3 of this 

appendix 

10.8.3 Average annual electric energy 

consumption for electric furnaces and boilers 

located in a different geographic region of the 

United States and in buildings with different 

design heating requirements. For electric 

furnaces and boilers, the average annual 

electric energy consumption for a specific 

geographic region and a specific typical 

design heating requirement (EER) is expressed 

in kilowatt-hours and defined as: 

EER = 100(0.77)(QOUT/(1 + a))HLH/(3.412 

AFUE) + ESOR

Where: 

100 = as specified in section 10.6 of this 

appendix 

0.77 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

QOUT = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

a = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

HLH = as defined in section 10.8.1 of this 

appendix 

3.412 = as specified in section 10.6 of this 

appendix 

AFUE = as defined in section 10.6 of this 

appendix 

ESOR = ESO as defined in section 10.12 of this 

appendix, except that in the equation for 

ESO, the term BOH is multiplied by the 

expression (HLH/2080) to get the 

appropriate regional accounting of 

standby mode and off mode loss 

10.9 Annual energy consumption for 

mobile home furnaces. 

10.9.1 National average number of burner 

operating hours for mobile home furnaces 

(BOHSS). BOHSS is the same as in section 

10.5.1 of this appendix, except that the value 

of EffyHS in the calculation of the burner 

operating hours, BOHSS, is calculated on the 

basis of a direct vent unit with system 

number 9 or 10. 

10.9.2 Average annual fuel energy for 

mobile home furnaces (EF). EF is same as in 

section 10.5.2 of this appendix except that 

the burner operating hours, BOHSS, is 

calculated as specified in section 10.9.1 of 

this appendix. 

10.9.3 Average annual auxiliary electrical 

energy consumption for mobile home 

furnaces (EAE). EAE is the same as in section 

10.5.3 of this appendix, except that the 

burner operating hours, BOHSS, is calculated 

as specified in section 10.9.1 of this 

appendix. 

10.10 Calculation of sales weighted 

average annual energy consumption for 

mobile home furnaces. In order to reflect the 

distribution of mobile homes to geographical 

regions with average HLHMHF values different 

from 2,080, adjust the annual fossil fuel and 

auxiliary electrical energy consumption 

values for mobile home furnaces using the 

following adjustment calculations. 

10.10.1 For mobile home furnaces, the 

sales weighted average annual fossil fuel 

energy consumption is expressed in Btu per 

year and defined as: 

EF,MHF = (EF¥8,760 QP)HLHMHF/2,080+8,760 

QP

Where: 

EF = as defined in section 10.9.2 of this 

appendix 

8,760 = as specified in section 10.5.2 of this 

appendix 

QP = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

HLHMHF = 1880, sales weighted average 

heating load hours for mobile home 

furnaces 

2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

10.10.2 For mobile home furnaces, the 

sales-weighted-average annual auxiliary 

electrical energy consumption is expressed in 

kilowatt-hours and defined as: 

EAE,MHF = EAE HLHMHF/2,080 

Where: 

EAE = as defined in section 10.9.3 of this 

appendix 


Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS3
12914 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 47 / Wednesday, March 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules 

HLHMHF = as defined in section 10.10.1 of 

this appendix 

2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

10.11 Direct determination of off-cycle 

losses for furnaces and boilers equipped with 

thermal stack dampers. [Reserved.] 

10.12 Average annual electrical standby 

mode and off mode energy consumption. 

Calculate the annual electrical standby mode 

and off mode energy consumption (ESO) in 

kilowatt-hours, defined as: 

ESO = ((PW,SB * (4160¥BOH)) + (PW,OFF * 

4600)) * K 

Where: 

PW,SB = furnace or boiler standby mode 

power, in watts, as measured in section 

8.12.1 of this appendix 

4,160 = average heating season hours per year 

PW,OFF = furnace or boiler off mode power, 

in watts, as measured in section 8.12.2 

of this appendix 

4,600 = average non-heating season hours per 

year 

K = 0.001 kWh/Wh, conversion factor for 

watt-hours to kilowatt-hours 

BOH = total burner operating hours as 

calculated in section 10.5 of this 

appendix for gas or oil-fueled furnaces or 

boilers. Where for gas or oil-fueled 

furnaces and boilers equipped with 

single-stage controls, BOH = BOHSS; for 

gas or oil-fueled furnaces and boilers 

equipped with two-stage controls, BOH = 

(BOHR + BOHH); and for gas or oil-fueled 

furnaces and boilers equipped with stepmodulating controls, BOH = (BOHR + 

BOHM). For electric furnaces and boilers, 

BOH = 100(2080)(0.77)(QOUT/(1+a))/(Ein

3.412(AFUE)) 

Where: 

100 = to express a percent as a decimal 

2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

0.77 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

QOUT = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

a = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this 

appendix 

3.412 = conversion to express energy in terms 

of kBtu instead of kilowatt-hours 

AFUE = as defined in section 11.1 of 

ASHRAE 103—2007 in percent 

Ein = Steady-state electric rated power, in 

kilowatts, from section 9.3 of ASHRAE 

103–2007 

[FR Doc. 2015–03619 Filed 3–10–15; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 6450–01–P 


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